JUSD honors top teachers
“Beth cares for every student at Glen Avon as if they are her own children."
“Mrs. Croxton is club adviser for Science Club and often has a packed classroom of students ready to engage with science!"
“Mr. Bailey is an inspirational teacher who places action behind every word he speaks."
Jurupa Unified teachers had another great year, innovating, inspiring and ensuring that students can learn without limits.
The Board of Education on March 11 honored 25 of the district's standout instructors, one representing each school site. Principals emphasized the top teachers' care for students, quality of instruction and dedication to their craft.
Of the honorees, three teachers will move on for consideration in the Riverside County Teacher of the Year awards: Elizabeth Van den Raadt of Glen Avon Elementary, Nancy Croxton of Mission Middle, and Ryan Bailey of Rubidoux High. Here are short descriptions of the Jurupa teachers in the running for countywide honors this spring:
Glen Avon Elementary – Elizabeth Van den Raadt
Beth Van den Raadt is a truly caring person with a big heart. Beth is always looking to help every student at Glen Avon succeed, especially in reading. She offers after-school help to students, for which she never seeks compensation. Beth is: hardworking, flexible, positive, helpful, involved, deserving, generous, cheerful, genuine and kind. Beth cares for every student at Glen Avon as if they are her own children, and she can be counted on to help her colleagues as needed in any situation. Because of her positive attitude and attributes, Beth could probably be Teacher of the Year every year. Beth is one of the best and is a great example for all of us.
Mission Middle – Nancy Croxton
“Kids at heart," “Extremely hard worker," “Always smiling," “Love of science." These are just a few of the ways Nancy Croxton's colleagues describe her and why she has been selected as Mission Middle's Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Croxton has been instrumental in launching Impact Teams to support student learning. She provides rigorous and engaging learning opportunities both in the classroom and out, including receiving four different grants this year to provide field trip opportunities for our Mustangs. She is club adviser for Science Club and often has a packed classroom of students ready to engage with science! She is a true champion of student success and learning, and Mission would not be the same without her.
Rubidoux High – Ryan Bailey
Rubidoux is honored to recognize Ryan Bailey as its Teacher of the Year. Mr. Bailey is an inspirational teacher who places action behind every word he speaks, who listens with an open heart, and who strives to teach his students how they can be the masters of their own fate. The video production institution he has single-handedly blessed the campus with is a world-class effort. Mr. Bailey started the video club as a classified employee 10 years ago with just a handful of students, but soon the club began to grow. With the increasing quality of their productions and Mr. Bailey's new teaching credential, a TV production class was added. This year, a new, state-of-the-art TV/video studio was added on campus, enabling students to use industry-standard equipment that will allow them to be better prepared for the workforce. It is without reservation that RHS nominates Mr. Ryan Bailey to receive the 2018-19 Teacher of the Year Award.
The full list of JUSD Teachers of the Year:
Lynette Bowen Camino Real Elementary
Jason Atkinson Del Sol Academy
Elizabeth Van den Raadt Glen Avon Elementary
Deborah Ramirez Granite Hill Elementary
Denise Montagne Ina Arbuckle Elementary
Sofia Dirkswager Indian Hills Elementary
Michelle Rayfield Mission Bell Elementary
Maritza Ruano Pacific Avenue Elementary
Antonia Mercado Pedley Elementary
Kelly Watt Peralta Elementary
Patricia Dawson Rustic Lane Elementary
Charles Lantz Sky Country Elementary
Yesenia Barr Stone Avenue Elementary
Carol Hogerty Sunnyslope Elementary
Hillary Moe Troth Street Elementary
Lori Whittlesey Van Buren Elementary
Amy Sanchez West Riverside Elementary
Stefny Woolston Jurupa Middle
Susan Maturino Mira Loma Middle
Nancy Croxton Mission Middle
Keleen Krocker Jurupa Valley High School
Naomi Brush Patriot High School
Ryan Bailey Rubidoux High School
Jessica Wheeler Nueva Vista
Lauretta Wilson-Cortez Rivercrest
Congratulations to all of the 2019 honorees!