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.
Liz Ketterl, Bridgeport
When I teach, I … feel like I’m responsible for preparing my students for all the things they will need to know for the journey ahead. My students know knowledge is power and character counts and when we work together, we can achieve anything!
Kyle Evans, Cedarcreek
I know I have impacted my students’ lives when … they return to visit months or years later to share their academic and/or career achievements.
Chris Bague, Emblem Academy
Teaching is more than just a job: it is … something that you live! Teaching involves everything you do in the classroom, but also includes being a positive community member as well. The foundation that we help our students build socially and academically shapes our nation’s future.
Kristen Meester, Foster
My professional motivation comes from … my students, every day they look to me for guidance, laughter, education, respect, honesty, and a nurturing learning environment. Seeing them learn and “get it” is so exciting. It makes me want to do more.
Cheryle Ehrlich, Helmers
I know I have impacted my student’s lives when . . . I run into them years later and they share favorite memories of my class; the bathtub in the reading corner, a story I told, and the magic of art. It’s then that you realize that something so little meant so much.
Eric Greenfield, Highlands
Teaching is more than just a job: It is … an adventure of possibilities! Every year is different than the one before. My students take my lessons to different places and we both grow from the experience. I never know what each day will bring.
Arian Best, Mountainview
My professional motivation comes from … my own parents, they instilled in me that an education is more than a path toward a career, and teaching more than imparting knowledge on children. Both are opportunities to better myself, and the lives of others, and this world.
Julie Vannix, North Park
The most important thing I do every day is … create an inviting environment that sets high expectations for student learning and behavior. I find teachable moments and use them to help guide students in good decision making. My hope is that these moments will allow students to be more successful both in and out of the classroom.
Melody Rosen, Plum Canyon
My students inspire me to … Be a better teacher every day. Each day I visualize what we’re going to be doing in the class and I ask myself, “How can I make this more fun? more interesting? more engaging? more meaningful?
Laurie Nutter, Rio Vista
Teaching is more than just a job: It is … a special calling. It is having a passion, and it is creative. With teaching, each year presents new challenges and you never stop learning.
Laurie Frye, Rosedell
Teaching is more than just a job: It is … an adventure. Some careers are predictable. One day looks much like another. Teaching is certainly not like this. Each year, each student, each day, and sometimes each hour brings something unique. This is where the adventure, and fun, begin!
Carin Fractor, Santa Clarita
When all is said and done, teaching … is not a job. It is a daily opportunity to help students realize their endless possibilities and develop personal goals that allow them to reach for the stars.
Robyn Ortiz, Skyblue Mesa
The most important thing I do every day is … try to remember what it was like to learn these lessons for the first time. I try to make each lesson accessible and fascinating. I am fascinated by facts, patterns, and relationships. I see to share that excitement as I teach!
Lisa Craigie, Tesoro del Valle
When all is said and done, teaching … is exhausting…..but, also very rewarding! It’s one of the most fulfilling jobs in the world.
Cynthia Dominguez, West Creek Academy
My professional motivation comes from …early in my life I realized I loved being around children. I truly enjoy watching the students blossom as they begin to apply skills being taught in the class. This both encourages and motivates me to be as creative as possible to enhance their joy of learning.