[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?”
Nicole Caiazza: In second grade, at the used book fair, I picked up a teacher edition of a first-grade science book and had to have it.
My mom tells stories of how I would line up my little sister and my stuffed animals to teach them everything I learned at school that day.
From there, I always connected to children by tutoring, working after-school programs and summer camps. Teaching felt like the natural next step as I truly enjoy encouraging students to achieve their goals and find their love for learning, too.
Noozhawk: How long have you been teaching?
NC: This is my 18th school year as a teacher at La Cumbre Junior High School.
Noozhawk: What is your favorite subject or lesson plan to teach your students?
NC: In world history, my favorite lessons to teach are through simulations and role playing. The students use their imaginations and creativity to learn more about the world, have rich discussions, and make lasting memories that inevitably bring a smile to our faces.
In AVID, I love all of the collaborative activities through which students can support each other as learners by asking questions and thinking of new ways to solve problems.
Noozhawk: What’s your classroom superpower — and how did you develop it?
NC: Bringing positive energy to my students. My hope is that, no matter what is going on outside the classroom, my students feel welcomed to come into our room.
I greet them with a smile and provide a positive working environment where they can feel safe and encouraged to make connections and learn from each other.
Noozhawk: Share a student success story that stays with you (no names needed).
NC: I feel the most success when former AVID students come back to visit my classroom to talk about their journey and provide advice to current AVID students.
Giving back to their community is such a gift and I couldn’t be more proud!
Noozhawk: What’s one change you made this year — tool, routine or strategy — that moved the needle?
NC: One routine I have been embracing the past few years is having meetings with my students. We set up a conference time and I ask them questions, such as how are you doing, what is going well, what isn’t going well, what are you proud of, and tell me something random.
This has allowed me to get to know students well and support them as needed, and it only takes a few minutes.
Noozhawk: What advice would you give your first-year teacher self?
NC: As first-year teachers, the learning curve is so huge. I would say to pick one thing to do well. Set goals for yourself so it is not so overwhelming to try to do it all.
Also, everyone has their own management style, so what works for one teacher may not work for the next. Do what feels most natural to your personality.
And keep a good sense of humor — teaching is more fun that way.
Noozhawk: Who are your mentors?
NC: My mentors include my parents, who encouraged me to pursue higher education and become a first-generation college graduate.
My former principal and mentor, JoAnn Caines, reminded me that students may not remember the day-to-day content, but they will remember how they felt in your class.
My teacher friends and staff — newer and veteran — who collaborate with me and keep me grounded usually with humor and perhaps a piece of chocolate. And finally, my husband, Iain Garcia, who is also a teacher and supports me to be the best version of myself.
Noozhawk: Who are the people in your life and work environment who support you every day?
NC: My support system is definitely a village. My husband, and fellow teacher, Iain, makes sure I can be balanced in work and life, especially while raising our two beautiful children.
Every day at school, I am honored to meet with my awesome PLC (professional learning community) to reflect, collaborate, solve problems, laugh hard and dream big.
Finally, my support outside of school comes from my friends and family who always show up for me, and love and encourage me. My village is full of strong, motivated individuals who truly inspire me!
Noozhawk: How does it feel to be honored as part of A Salute to Teachers?
NC: I am honored for this recognition. We have so many incredible educators and mentors in our community, so I am happy to share a bit about what we do.
