The Ventura Commerce and Education Foundation (VCEF) named Mary Louise Newburn, first grade instructor at Pierpont Elementary School in Ventura, California, as March’s Teacher of the Month. VCEF board member, Pattie Braga, joined elected representatives and members of the business community on March 2, 2016, to present Newburn with a plaque commemorating the award.
Newburn, who brings more than 15 years of experience to her first-grade classroom, was recognized for her dedication to providing students with a strong academic foundation through a variety of teaching methods – including incorporating new technologies into her instruction – and for working to help them build positive social skills. Beyond the classroom, her efforts include providing additional support for students facing homelessness or poverty as well as expanding her own knowledge through ongoing research and attendance at numerous classes and workshops.
“Mary Louise is committed to providing each of her students with the resources they need to reach their full potential,” said Pierpont principal, Katie Tedford. “She is a highly effective teacher, and students always seem to leave her class with a true love of learning.”
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 Braga, chair of the Teacher Appreciation Committee with the VCEF, at [email protected] or 805-477-4052.
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.
