VCEF Names Jennifer Willis as December’s Teacher of the Month
generic arial, unhealthy sans-serif;”>Teacher at De Anza Academy of Technology and the Arts receives recognition
site arial,sans-serif;”>The Ventura Commerce and Education Foundation (VCEF) named Jennifer Willis — science teacher and Associated Student Body advisor at De Anza Academy of Technology and the Arts (DATA) in Ventura, California — December’s Teacher of the Month. On Dec. 9, 2015, VCEF board member, Pattie Braga joined elected representatives and members of the business community to present Willis with a plaque to commemorate the award.
Willis was recognized for her involvement in, and commitment to, providing above-and-beyond educational experiences for DATA’s students. In addition to developing innovative projects to support key learning outcomes, including a biotechnology-focused project that gives her students the opportunity to test foods for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), she also coordinates school dances, carnivals and spirit days.
“Jennifer is a highly effective and engaging teacher who truly cares about all of our students,” said DATA’s principal, Hector Guerrero. “She works tirelessly to create a safe, healthy and fun learning environment that enables students to grow and thrive.”
Along with actively supporting the growth of her students, Willis also continuously pursues her own professional development through participation in conferences hosted by the California Association of Directors of Activities (CADA) and the California Science Teachers Association (CSTA).
The attendees at the presentation honoring Willis included: Pattie Braga, Ventura County Credit Union; Jennifer Willis, Teacher of the Month honoree; Michael Babb, Ventura Unified School District superintendent; Jennifer W. Robles, Ventura Unified School District assistant superintendent; Cheryl Heitmann, City of Ventura councilmember; Brad Hudson, Office of Congresswoman Julia Brownley; Stephanie Caldwell, Ventura Chamber of Commerce president and CEO; Steve Brown, Gold Coast Transit; Cynthia Duque, Gold Coast Transit; Greg Bird, Gold Coast Broadcasting; Steve Dato, Axxess Ventura; Jim Duran, The River Community Church; Tori Fish, The River Community Church; Diane Ellis, Ventura Downtown Lions Club; Bruce Holley, Kirby Auto Group; Stephanie Lundquist, Crowne Plaza Ventura; Kerry Swift, massage therapist.
Teacher of the Month nominees must be credentialed teachers and display certain qualities, such as outstanding commitment to students, service to school or district committees, involvement in projects on their own time and/or participation in youth-focused activities in the community. All principals and parent-teacher organizations from schools within the Ventura Unified School District are eligible to submit nominations. For more information about the Teacher of the Month program, please contact Pattie Braga, chair of the Teacher Appreciation Committee with the VCEF, at [email protected] or 805-477-4052.
ABOUT THE VENTURA COMMERCE AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Ventura Commerce and Education Foundation (VCEF), under the auspices of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, works to provide a business link to the economic, educational, cultural and environmental interests of the Ventura regional community. More information about the VCEF can be found at venturachamber.com/ventura-commerce-education-foundation.
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