Local educator and UC Santa Barbara Alum, Lianette Santana, was recognized by the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara with an Outstanding Teacher Award on April 19.
We enjoy learning of students who grow up in Santa Barbara and return to teach the roots that raised them. Such is the tale of Lianette Santana, who is an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at her own alma mater, Santa Barbara High School (SBHS). “She is being acknowledged,” says Rotary President Mike Bieza, “for her ability to create a positive nurturing environment in her classroom. When an instructor provides the proper environment for learning and supports the students with appropriate feedback, the results can be amazing.” She intends to use award funds for learning aids and supplying students with additional school supplies who have less access to them.
Santana graduated from SBHS in 2004. She received her B.A. in Spanish from UCSB, and a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Spanish and Bilingual, Cross-Cultural, Language and Academic Development (BCLAD) from the UCSB Teacher Education Program (TEP) in Spring 2011. During her time in TEP, Santana received a 2011 Dr. J Student Teacher Fellowship award for proving promise as a future teacher and embodying the values of prior TEP Director, Dr. Richard Jamgochian, after whom the scholarship is in honor of and believed that teachers should see student self-actualization as their greatest goal.
“Ms. Santana is an exceptional Spanish and English Language Development teacher,” said SBHS Principal Elise Simmons. “On a daily basis, she creates an environment where students are engaged with each other and the material to learn concepts, discover new connections, and practice their skills. In addition, she always differentiates her lessons to meet the needs of the students in her class. Thus, her classroom is full of highly engaged and motivated students. She has transformed our English Language Development program into a shining star.”
The Rotary Club of Santa Barbara meets for lunch, noon-1:30 p.m. Fridays. Recipients of the club’s Teacher Recognition Awards are made with the assistance of the Teacher Programs and Support Department of the Santa Barbara County Education Office.