Jean Krist receives award for excellence in education
The Ventura Commerce and Education Foundation (VCEF) recognized Jean Krist, educator at El Camino High School (ECHS) in Ventura, California, as February’s Teacher of the Month. On Feb. 23, 2016, VCEF board member, Pattie Braga, joined elected representatives and members of the business community to present Krist with a plaque commemorating the award.
Krist, who has been teaching for more than 30 years, works with ECHS students in grades 9-12, providing instruction in multiple subject areas. Beyond the classroom, she serves as chair of numerous curriculum-related committees, participates in the school site council, coordinates the school’s Geo Challenge and Knowledge Bowl academic competitions, and frequently attends student performances such as recitals, plays and concerts.
“Jean is one of those teachers you wish you could clone,” said ECHS principal, Cheryl Burns. “She is always eager to pitch in, and her efforts continually enrich the experiences of our students. She dedicates countless hours outside of class time to working with any student that needs her, and our students know that they can count on her to do everything in her power to help them succeed. She’s brought so much to this school and has introduced so many positive changes for both students and teachers, including a quiz grader that’s made all of the teachers lives easier.”
In addition to her daily work with students, Krist is also committed to ongoing professional development. She regularly attends classes and workshops on topics ranging from the Common Core to distance learning, and in 2015, she received a scholarship to participate in one of The Cullman Center Institute for Teachers’ summer seminars.
The Teacher of the Month presentation was attended by: Jean Krist, Teacher of the Month honoree; Pattie Braga, Ventura County Credit Union; Dr. Michael Babb, Ventura Unified School District superintendent; Debbie Golden, Ventura Unified School District board member; Brad Hudson, Office of Congresswoman Julia Brownley; Steve Offerman, Office of Supervisor Steve Bennett; AJ Valenzuela Jr., Office of Assemblymember Das Williams; Stephanie Caldwell, Ventura Chamber of Commerce; Stephen Joyce, Ventura Travel Professionals; Kerry Swift, massage therapist; Jim Duran, The River Community Church; Janine Dykstra, Project Understanding; Greg Bird, Gold Coast Broadcasting; Stephanie Lundquist, Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach; Cynthia Duque, Gold Coast Transit; Randy Jewell, The Ventura Downtown Lions Club.
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.
