Jenna Turner
Jenna Turner

The Rotary Club of Santa Barbara recognized Jenna Turner for her leadership as a special education preschool teacher at Harding University Partnership School in the Santa Barbara Unified School District.

Turner was awarded a plaque and a $1,000 check for classroom needs at the Rotary Club’s April lunch meeting. She said the money would go toward purchasing items that create a sensory-rich, inclusive environment for her students, such as self-calming tools and adaptive seats.

Recipients of the Rotary Club recognition are chosen with the assistance of the Santa Barbara County Education Office’s Teachers Network. Turner is the final of four teachers recognized by the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara this school year.

Turner was nominated by Karla Curry, Santa Barbara Unified School District interim director of special education, who said:

“Jenna Turner goes above and beyond to ensure students are assessed and receiving services. She does all of this with a smile on her face and a positive attitude.”

“Jenna is an exceptional teacher who creates engaging lessons for her preschoolers of all levels and backgrounds and is truly setting them up to be successful,” said Megan Tice, Special Education Program facilitator.

“We thank the Rotary Club for their dedication to education and for their continued support of exemplary teachers like Turner,” said County Schools Superintendent Susan Salcido.

“We also extend our congratulations and thanks to Jenna Turner for her commitment to creating a positive, nurturing learning environment for all students,” she said.

“The Rotary Club of Santa Barbara has a long tradition of supporting youth and educators in our community. Honoring outstanding teachers like Turner is an example of our commitment,” said Michael Baker, president of the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara and CEO of the United Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara County.

“We are fortunate to have so many outstanding teachers in our area, and the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara’s Teacher Recognition Award program is our way of extending gratitude for their important work,” he said.