[Noozhawk’s note: One in a series on the teachers who will be honored Nov. 2 at A Salute to Teachers, presented by Cox Communications and the Santa Barbara County Education Office. Click here for a complete series index.]
Bree Jansen — a dance, choreography and cheerleading teacher at Lompoc High School — will be honored as the 2020 Santa Barbara County Performing Arts Teacher of the Year.
The Lompoc native studied dance at the Lompoc Dance Studio for 13 years and is a proud alumna of Lompoc High, where she is able to combine her passion for dance and teaching. She’s taught at the school for the last 18 years of her 19-year career as an educator in the Lompoc Unified School District.
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Jansen is described as a problem-solver who will work tirelessly to find ways to work around any obstacles that arise, from costuming to funding to rehearsal space to students with special considerations or special needs.
Over the past few years, she has become more connected with the Santa Barbara County Education Office grants and awards processes. Among the grant awards she has secured are a Performing Arts Curriculum Project Grant for artistic collaboration between acting, dance and music in musical theater, and a QAD TeachNet Technology grant.
“Lucky are those who have been blessed to have crossed her path,” said a Lompoc High parent. “Her love for what she does is impeccable.”
In addition to Jansen, eight educators will be recognized Nov. 2 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.
Michele Frantz of Joe Nightingale School in the Orcutt Union School District has been named the 2020 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year.
Distinguished new educators to be honored are Anthony Bruemmer of Santa Ynez School in the College School District, Melanie Thatcher of Miguelito School in the Lompoc Unified School District and Michael Wallace of El Camino Junior High School in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District.
Distinguished mentors include Marith Parton of Carpinteria Middle School in the Carpinteria Unified School District, Marilyn Tilley of Battles School in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District and Amy Willis of Los Olivos School in the Los Olivos School District.
In addition to Cox, Salute to Teachers is sponsored by Noozhawk, Anthem Blue Cross, Fielding Graduate University, Montecito Bank & Trust, the Santa Barbara Bowl and the SBCC Foundation.
Noozhawk Q&A
Noozhawk: Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Bree Jansen: I think I have always known I was going to be a teacher. I’m the daughter of three teachers and have grown up in a culture of lifelong learning and teaching.
Noozhawk: How long have you been teaching?
BJ: This is my 19th year teaching.
Noozhawk: What is your favorite subject or lesson plan to teach your students?
BJ: My passion is teaching dance. I enjoy giving students the opportunity to express themselves without words, and to even the playing field by allowing students with different abilities to be able to find their own unique strengths through the arts.
I also really enjoy teaching my intervention reading students because they are often underestimated and sometimes fall through the cracks in mainstream classes. My smaller class size allows me to connect more personally with students and give them the one-on-one attention they sometimes need.
Noozhawk: What is your favorite part of being a teacher?
BJ: My favorite part of being a teacher is celebrating both small and large victories with my students. It is extremely gratifying to watch them grow and succeed.
Noozhawk: What are the challenges of your job?
BJ: Time and funding are always the largest challenges in the arts. We all need more time to create, support and teach, and we need the funds to be able to make it happen.
Noozhawk: What are you most looking forward to this school year?
BJ: Aside from the everyday victories in the classroom, I enjoy serving as choreographer and assistant director for our spring musical. This year’s production is Matilda and I am very excited to be a part of it.
Noozhawk: Who are your mentors?
BJ: I have many! My original mentors are my parents, Diane Logan, Robert Logan and Anne Logan, who have provided me with the foundation to be a lifelong learner. My dance teachers, Denise Donlon and Kathi Sarkin, have instilled a work ethic and tenacity in me that helps me work toward larger, long-term goals.
My colleagues, Sarah A.M. Barthel and Carolyn Taylor, have also taught me so much, not just about teaching but also about becoming an advocate and voice for students.
Noozhawk: Who are the people in your life and work environment who support you every day?
BJ: I would not be able to survive at home or school without my wonderful husband, Nick; my children, Lauren and Mia; my parents, Diane, Robert and Anne; and my parents-in-law, Ron and Teresa. I am also supported by my wonderful colleagues and friends, Sarah A.M. Barthel, Carolyn Taylor and Rachel Reynolds.
Noozhawk: How does it feel to be honored as part of the Salute to Teachers?
BJ: I am extremely humbled to be recognized. I am, by nature, the type who avoids the spotlight so to receive this individual recognition is both exciting and a bit daunting.
Noozhawk: Is there anything else you wish to share?
BJ: I would like to thank the Santa Barbara Bowl and Santa Barbara County Education Offices for their sponsorship and support.