The Teachers Network of Santa Barbara County recently announced winners of the county’s 2009 Crystal Apple Educator Awards. Nominated by their peers, Crystal Apple winners are recognized for outstanding teaching and leadership skills in the classroom and community.
Each year, school employees, parents, and students are invited to nominate outstanding educators. Award winners receive a crystal apple plaque and a $500 stipend, provided by program sponsor Venoco, Inc.
“We are so pleased to be able to acknowledge the exceptional work of these outstanding educators,” County Superintendent of Schools Bill Cirone said in a press release. “They represent the hundreds of professionals working day in and day out to make a difference for the students of Santa Barbara County.”
This year’s Crystal Apple winners in the North County are: Valerie Trenev, Alice Shaw Elementary School; Desirae Felix, El Camino Junior High School; Cynthia Gerritsen, Ralph Dunlap Elementary School; Susan Whitefield, Santa Maria Joint Union High School District; and Trudy Shank, Benjamin Foxen Elementary School.
The Crystal Apple educators will be honored at an annual Education Celebration on May 27 at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott in Buellton.
For more information about the 2009 Crystal Apple Educator Awards, call the Teachers Network of Santa Barbara County at 964-4711.
This article appears in Apr 16-23, 2009.