The 2022 Education Celebration, held May 26, placed the spotlight on Santa Barbara County’s most exceptional educators. More than 50 grant and award winners were recognized for their contributions and outstanding service to the school communities they serve.
Hosted by Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO), the event was held at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott in Buellton. Awards and grants presented were:
The Bill Cirone Heart of Education Award, Marvin Melvin Career Technical Educator Awards, Santa Barbara Teachers Federal Credit Union Crystal Apple Educator Awards, Santa Barbara Bowl Performing Arts Teacher of the Year Award, Care for Our Earth Grants, Instructional Strategy Team Grants, Curriculum Project Grants, Performing Arts Curriculum Project Grants, Collaborative Learning Team Grants, QAD Teachnet Technology Grants.
The outgoing and incoming Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year Award winners were also acknowledged. The recipients were selected by the SBCEO’s Teachers Network, which has provided $1.4 million in grants and awards since its establishment in 1983.
Grants awarded will support innovative learning initiatives in all subject areas including environmental science, performing arts, and the integration of technology into the classroom. Grants were received by individual teachers and also teams of teachers from different schools who have collaborated on new instructional strategies.
“We are so pleased to be able to acknowledge and pay tribute to our county’s most exceptional educators,” said Susan Salcido, Santa Barbara County superintendent of schools. “They make invaluable contributions to our schools, and to our communities, enriching the lives of the students, staff, and families they serve.
“We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our community business partners for supporting the SBCEO Teachers Network grants and awards. Your generosity has a direct impact on student success, and we are extremely thankful for your support.”
SBCEO appreciates the local businesses that provided grant funding:
Altrusa
Cox
Deckers
Fielding Graduate University
Frank Schipper Construction Co.
Montecito Bank & Trust
Noozhawk
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)
QAD
Santa Barbara Bowl
Santa Barbara City College Foundation
Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District
Santa Barbara County Water Agency
Santa Barbara Teachers Federal Credit Union
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation
Santa Ynez Valley Foundation
The Towbes Foundation
TRADART Foundation
Following are links to details about each award, grant and recipient:
Bill Cirone Heart of Education Award
Marvin Melvin Career Technical Educator Awards
Santa Barbara Teachers Federal Credit Union Crystal Apple Educator Awards
Santa Barbara Bowl Performing Arts Teacher of the Year Award
Care for Our Earth Grants
Collaborative Learning Team Grants
Curriculum Project Grants
Instructional Strategy Team Grants
Performing Arts Curriculum Project Grants
QAD Teachnet Technology Grants