Michelle Minetti-Smith, a first-grade teacher at Mary Buren Elementary School in the Guadalupe Union School District, has been named the 2017 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year. Minetti-Smith is in her 20th year of teaching at Mary Buren.
Not only is teaching “in the genes” for Minetti-Smith, so, too, is the very building in which she works. “My grandmother taught here for 20 years,” she said in a statement. “And Mrs. Buren”—after whom the school site was eventually named—“was my fifth-grade teacher. I was the fourth generation to attend this school,” she said proudly.
County Superintendent of Schools Bill Cirone said in a statement that Minetti-Smith takes the idea of “home-grown talent” to a new level. “Her family’s deep generational ties to the community in which she serves is just one of the motivators behind her persistent demonstration of excellence. Few know better than Michelle the importance of making a difference in our community. She truly walks the talk.”
Minetti-Smith’s nomination for consideration as California’s Teacher of the Year will begin sometime in the fall. The state winner will then move forward in the competition for 2017 National Teacher of the Year.
Superintendent Ed Cora said in a statement that Minetti-Smith goes above and beyond to see that others’ needs are met. “She is truly a rare gem, and our school community is fortunate to be the benefactor,” he said.
Minetti-Smith will also be recognized at the May 26 Education Celebration event held in Buellton, and will be highlighted at the Nov. 5 A Salute to Teachers gala in Santa Barbara.
This article appears in May 12-19, 2016.