[Noozhawk’s note: One in a series on the teachers who will be honored Oct. 25 at A Salute to Teachers, presented by Cox Communications and the Santa Barbara County Education Office.]
Eight public school educators will be recognized Oct. 25 at the 12th annual 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.
Natalie Wilkes — a Monte Vista School first-grade teacher in the Hope Elementary School District in Santa Barbara — is the 2026 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year.
Sara DiSalvo, a music teacher at Cold Spring School in the Cold Spring School District in Montecito, will be recognized as the 2026 Santa Barbara Bowl Performing Arts Teacher of the Year.
The 2026 distinguished mentors to be recognized are social studies and AVID teacher Nicole Caiazza at La Cumbre Junior High School in the Santa Barbara Unified School District, Clarence Ruth School teacher Wendy Culver in the Lompoc Unified School District, and instructional coach Amanda Wildhagen at Fairlawn Elementary School in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District.
The 2026 distinguished new educators to be honored are agriculture teacher Alondra Barrueta-Novoa at Santa Maria High School in the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District, agriculture/science teacher Emily Garcia at Carpinteria High School in the Carpinteria Unified School District, and bilingual education specialist Gloria Sevilla at Taylor Elementary School in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District.
In addition to Cox, Salute to Teachers is sponsored by Noozhawk, Driscoll’s, Fielding Graduate University, Melfred Borzall, Ramsey Asphalt Construction and the Santa Barbara Bowl.
Noozhawk Q&A
Noozhawk: What was the moment you knew, “I want to be a teacher?”
Amanda Wildhagen: Teaching has always been a dream of mine. I can still remember sitting in my kindergarten classroom thinking, “This is what I want to do when I grow up, I want to be a teacher.”
As I went through school, learning wasn’t always easy, but I had several teachers who took the time to support me and help me succeed.
Seeing how much of a difference their support made in my life helped me realize I wanted to do the same for others, to be that teacher who helps students believe in themselves.
Noozhawk: How long have you been teaching?
AW: This is my 21st year in education.
Noozhawk: What is your favorite subject or lesson plan to teach your students?
AW: It’s hard to choose a single favorite lesson, but the ones that stand out most to me are those that create meaningful and memorable experiences for students. I love lessons that are hands-on, collaborative and allow students to be creative.
Some of my favorites have included book tastings, classroom escape rooms, and even a Shark Tank-style simulation.
These types of activities give every student a chance to learn in their own way, and my hope is that they’re the lessons students will look back on and always remember from their time in my classroom.
Noozhawk: What’s your classroom superpower — and how did you develop it?
AW: My classroom superpower is finding the best in every child and building lasting relationships that go beyond the school year.
I stay in touch with many of my former students, and I love seeing them perform, play sports, and walk across that stage at graduation.
They know I’ll always be in their corner, whether it’s writing a recommendation or simply cheering them on.
Staying connected with my students long after they’ve left my classroom is one of the greatest joys of being a teacher.
Noozhawk: Share a student success story that stays with you (no names needed).
AW: One student I’ll always remember joined our school in fourth grade during a difficult time in his life. He was living temporarily with his grandparents and, at first, wasn’t applying himself and often let his behavior get in the way of his success.
He wasn’t in my class that year, but one day I told him he was a leader, and that if he used his leadership in a positive way, others would follow. That conversation stuck with him.
Later that year, during a meeting with the principal and his grandmother, he said he wanted to be in my class for fifth grade because, “She might be strict, but she knows what I need to succeed.”
I was fortunate to have him in my class the following year and see his growth firsthand. He became more focused, made strong academic progress, and truly thrived in classroom presentations.
After that year, he moved Back East but still keeps in touch, sending updates and checking in just to say hi. That continued connection reminds me that every student already has what they need to succeed, my role is simply to help them see it and believe it.
Noozhawk: What’s one change you made this year — tool, routine or strategy — that moved the needle?
AW: This year’s biggest shift came from completing two years of LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training, which deepened my understanding of how students learn to read. It’s changed how I support both teachers and students, helping me make literacy instruction more explicit, targeted and meaningful.
Noozhawk: What advice would you give your first-year teacher self?
AW: I’d remind my first-year self to take things one step at a time. Focus on learning, observing and finding balance before taking on too much.
Growth happens over time, not all at once.
Noozhawk: Who are your mentors?
AW: I’ve been fortunate to have many incredible mentors throughout my career.
Patricia Phillips, a former colleague and dear friend, has been one of the most influential. She was always so easy to collaborate with and generously shared the amazing projects and ideas she created.
I learned so much from her, not just about teaching, but about being part of a supportive team. She was my listening ear, my encourager, and someone who cared deeply about me and my family beyond the classroom.
I’ve also had several administrators who believed in me and encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, from pursuing my education specialist credential to taking on the role of instructional coach. Their guidance and trust in my abilities pushed me to grow in ways I never expected.
Noozhawk: Who are the people in your life and work environment who support you every day?
AW: My family is my foundation, and they support me through every step of my career, from changes and new challenges to the long hours that come with this work. Their encouragement keeps me grounded and reminds me why I do what I do.
At work, I’m grateful for administrators and colleagues who are supportive, approachable and always willing to listen or help when needed.
My mentees have also become an important part of my support system. Even though I’m their mentor, they’ve made me feel appreciated from the start. They lift me up as much as I strive to be there for them, and that mutual support means so much to me.
Noozhawk: What is your favorite quote?
AW: One that has always resonated with me is from Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Noozhawk: How does it feel to be honored as part of A Salute to Teachers?
AW: It’s such an incredible honor to be part of A Salute to Teachers and to be recognized alongside so many amazing educators.
It’s made me reflect on everyone who’s been part of my journey; the mentors, colleagues and mentees who’ve supported me; and the students who continue to inspire me every single day.
