Laura Todis, Ventura County Office of Education’s Teacher of the Year. Photo by Bob Sube.

On May 24, 2013 Sierra High School Teacher Laura Todis was the recipient of Ventura County Office of Education’s Teacher of the Year Award. She was surprised by the visit from VCOE Superintendent Stan Mantooth and Coordinator John Tarkany. Mr. Stan Mantooth presented Ms. Todis with a bouquet of flowers, a beautiful plaque and $1,000 and recognized her recent achievements. Mr. Mantooth said, “Ms. Todis has accomplished the Educational Trifecta with today’s County Teacher of the Year Award. She recently was the recipient of Amgen’s Science Teacher of Excellence Award, as well as being selected as Fillmore Unified School District’s Teacher of the Year 2013. What an amazing feat!” Students and staff from Sierra High School cheered on Ms. Todis as she received this award.

Ms. Todis graciously accepted the award on behalf of her students and told them that this award was for them. “This award is for you, too. We work hard and put 100% into everything we do. It is nice to be recognized for things we do every day. I hope I have inspired you to love Science.” said Todis.

Dr. Alan Nishino, Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent also congratulated Ms. Todis and said, “She truly represents good teaching in Fillmore. We have great students and teachers in Fillmore and it is wonderful to see her receive this recognition today.” Sierra High School Principal, Cynthia Frutos said, “Ms. Todis is an outstanding teacher that engages students to every lesson and students become immersed in the content. For continuation students who have become disengaged with school, she re-ignites the desire to learn. She sets high standards and expectations for all students, and as a result, all rise to the occasion. Students strive to their full potential because they know she does not allow failure---it is simply not an option in her classes. She truly believes in them and they know it.”

ASB President Thania Sahagun cheered loudly and said about Ms. Todis, “She really believes in us and she makes learning Science fun. She is also a good ASB Advisor.” Erik Palma, Sierra Senior added, “I never liked school before but since I came to Sierra, I love it. I especially love the Science fieldtrips to Santa Cruz Island and the Condor Sanctuary.”