Honoring Those Who Serve Our Children

by | Apr 25, 2017 | Education

 Teacher Tribute Honors some of our most exceptional teachers in the Santa Clarita Valley. Below are some comments from some Saugus Union School District Teacher Tribute Honorees on their profession.
Camryn Arnold, Bridgeport
I know I have impacted my student lives when…they come back to visit me. When former students take their own time to come and see me, I know impacted them in some way. When kids choose to keep in contact with their former teacher, remember specific events about your class, and even invite you to momentous occasions in their lives–I know I impacted them.
Catherine Maness, Cedarcreek
My professional motivation comes from…I want to inspire children to become lifelong learners. To instill that they can do anything no matter how hard it is, all they have to do is keep trying even if that means they fail in order to succeed. I want to motivate children to become leaders who change the world.
Nancy Tomei, Emblem Academy
The biggest “Champion” in my professional life is…I have two champions who inspire me professionally: First, my husband of 24 years, Tod, who cheers me on after smooth days and rough. Although he is not a teacher, he has come to understand over the years the unique challenges and triumphs I experience in this profession. Second, my principal, Jon Baker, who never asks for more than he is willing to give, and genuinely lets me know in so many ways how much he values and respects me as an educator.
Sandra Belanger, James Foster
The biggest “Champions” in my professional life are…In my years of teaching, I’ve witnessed the growth of my struggling students become productive members of the community. In collaboration with my colleagues we create strategies to help my students succeed in their education and life.
Megan Bean, Charles Helmers
My students inspire the “Champion” in me when…I see their spark for learning and knowledge. Each time I see the pure joy and pride in a student’s face when learning and mastering a new skill makes me want to be the best “champion” I can be.
Gail Knipp, Highlands
My professional motivation comes from…my determination to make a difference in the lives of my students and to provide the same level of excellence in education that I would want for my own children.
Cynthia Ritter, Mountainview
I build “Champions” in my class by… teaching my students it’s OK to fail.  Sometimes things might be hard and that’s when I teach them to keep going and not give up.  A true champion is not made by their successes, but how they learn from their failures.
Jennifer Way, North Park
I build “Champions” in my class by…developing 21st century learners through lessons and activities designed to challenge my students academically while fostering collaboration and communication. My students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, learn from their mistakes, and celebrate their achievements together.
Mary Ann Walker, Plum Canyon
I know I have impacted my students’ lives when…I run into them in the community and they eagerly share where the years have led them, college, careers, family. We reminisce about their time in my class and share a laugh together. I am quickly taken back to that moment in time.
Christy Goss, Rio Vista
I build “Champions” in my class by…teaching my students it’s ok to fail. Sometimes things might be hard and that’s when I teach them to keep going and not give up. A true champion is not made by their successes, but how they learn from failures.
Prit Chhabra, Rosedell
I build “Champions” in my class by…By building trust, respect for themselves and others, and celebrating all their successes through verbal affirmation. I teach them that champions aren’t just those with the best grades, they are the ones who have good character, perseverance, and a hard work ethic.
Danielle Nordskog, Santa Clarita
My professional motivation comes from…helping each child achieve their personal best.  By encouraging a growth mindset, my students realize that setbacks can lead to successes.  This give them the confidence to grow into exceptional students.
Tina Macabitas, Skyblue Mesa
I build “Champions” in my class by…believing in them and getting them to believe in themselves. Through positive reinforcement, fostering self-confidence and encouraging self-efficacy, my students take pride in our class motto, “Whatever we do, we do well.”
Dawn Fujino, Tesoro del Valle
The biggest “Champions” in my professional life are…My “Champions” are my husband, Mike and my parents. With their love and support I have been able to be both a Mom at home raising my sons, Ian and Evan, and continue my love of teaching in a shared position.
Mary Ostrander, West Creek Academy
I know I have impacted my students’ lives when…I see the joy in their eyes as they realize they have attained a goal that once had been difficult. But to teach a child is to touch a future, and when those same students are now my colleagues, there is a sense of satisfaction knowing that I made a small impact on their life that set them off in the in the direction of becoming an educator.

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