[Noozhawk’s note: One in a series on the teachers who will be honored Nov. 5 at A Salute to Teachers, presented by Cox Communications and the Santa Barbara County Education Office.]
Eight public school educators will be recognized Nov. 5 at A Salute to Teachers, an event hosted by Cox Communications and the Santa Barbara County Education Office at the Music Academy of the West in Montecito.
Joanna Hendrix — a Santa Barbara County Education Office preschool, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten deaf education teacher at Ralph Dunlap School in the Orcutt Union School District — has been named the 2023 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year and is a finalist for 2023 California Teacher of the Year.
Jennifer Peterson of Cabrillo High School in the Lompoc Unified School District will be recognized as the 2023 Santa Barbara Bowl Performing Arts Teacher of the Year.
The 2023 distinguished mentors to be recognized are Cara Leach of Foothill School in the Goleta Union School District, Christina Roessler of Peabody Charter School in the Santa Barbara Unified School District, and Alyssa Spanier of Solvang School in the Solvang School District.
The 2023 distinguished new educators to be honored are Crystal Guzman of El Camino Junior High School in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, Kendall Stevens of La Cumbre Junior High School in the Santa Barbara Unified School District, and Elsy Mora Zambrano of La Colina Junior High School in the Santa Barbara Unified School District.
The ninth annual presentation will be livestreamed at 5 p.m. Nov. 5 at https://tinyurl.com/sbceosalute2022.
In addition to Cox, Salute to Teachers is sponsored by Noozhawk, Fielding Graduate University, Melfred Borzall, Montecito Bank & Trust, Santa Barbara Bowl and the Santa Barbara City College Foundation.
Noozhawk Q&A
Noozhawk: Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Kendall Stevens: I have been privileged to have had many amazing teachers in my life who have inspired me to go into this profession. I also grew up with dedicated parents, both with extensive experience as junior high teachers in the Santa Barbara Unified School District, who early on in my life instilled a value for public education.
Furthermore, I have been lucky to have many opportunities in which I have worked with students; these experiences as a tutor/mentor in both high school and college were what ultimately solidified my decision to go into teaching.
There are so many rewarding aspects about this job, and I feel very grateful to be working in a profession that is centered around making connections and supporting others.
Noozhawk: How long have you been teaching?
KS: This is currently my second year teaching. I began teaching last year in August 2021 at La Cumbre Junior High (where I currently am teaching).
Noozhawk: What is your favorite subject or lesson plan to teach your students?
KS: I am really enjoying teaching social studies for eighth grade (U.S. history). There is so much value in learning about the past, not only to gain a better understanding of the world, but to understand ourselves and our own identities.
It is imperative to me that students have opportunities to explore their own selves and to consider how their own experiences and backgrounds can shape, and will continue to shape, the world around us.
Some of my favorite lessons to teach involve learning about the civil rights movement and how activism has taken many forms across history.
Noozhawk: What is your favorite part of being a teacher?
KS: My favorite part of this profession is making connections with my students and watching them grow. It is a joy to hear students’ successes in academics, in extracurriculars and in other areas of their lives.
The connections we make with one another in the classroom are not only vital to students’ learning; relationship building with one another helps both my students and myself grow as active members of our community.
Noozhawk: What are the challenges of your job?
KS: My biggest challenge in this work is reminding myself to take breaks! Another challenge I have is rejecting perfectionism. There are always times when lessons do not go according to plan. Rather than see these moments as failure, I am learning to adapt to situations as needed and to reflect on what might need to change for future implementation.
Noozhawk: What are you most looking forward to this school year?
KS: I’m very excited to continue expanding our school’s Leadership program. Our group has many exciting school events planned for this year, and I look forward to seeing more students come together to foster opportunities for positive connection.
Noozhawk: Who are your mentors?
KS: Some mentors who inspire me include my parents and my mentor at La Cumbre, Katie Pelle. Katie is an active team player and student advocate who has been a constant sounding board for me as I have navigated my first years as a teacher.
Noozhawk: Who are the people in your life and work environment who support you everyday?
KS: I’m very grateful to have a supportive and welcoming staff at my site, and there are several co-workers I am lucky to have as my school support system. My friends and family also play a large role in giving me encouragement, motivation and reassurance.
Noozhawk: How does it feel to be honored as part of the Salute to Teachers?
KS: I’m incredibly honored to be recognized alongside a group of amazing educators, and I’m really looking forward to our upcoming celebration!