Twenty-five educators from Ventura County—two from Moorpark— and nearby were honored and given a special day of appreciation Saturday. It was a day to push aside thoughts of pink slips and budget cuts and to recharge.
Denise Chavez, a fifth-grade teacher, and Cambria Tooley, a second-grade teacher, both from Walnut Canyon School in Moorpark, were recipients of the Right Roads Kids Educators Joy Awards for 2011.
“I feel uplifted and inspired. … I’m honored to have been chosen amongst so many amazing teachers,” said Tooley. “It’s like a spa day. I feel very refreshed.”
Find out what's happening in Moorparkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Right Roads Kids founder, Paula Phillips, designed the program to help kids feel loved and special, to uplift their lives and to follow the right road in school and life. Phillips wanted to extend appreciation to the teachers that daily apply these teachings in their classroom.
“Here’s the thing: When you are an educator, you are superman,” Phillips said. “Right Roads Kids is a little bit of superman dust that takes away a bit of the kryptonite.”
Find out what's happening in Moorparkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Another recipient, Polly Tattersell, a third-grade teacher at Bay Laurel School in Calabasas, had Phillips visit her classroom several times.
“The kids just love her. She makes you feel energized and shares a true message,” Tattersell said. “We would like to clone her.”
On the event, which took place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, the banquet tables were decorated with jellybeans, candy kiss and party favors. The day included an awards ceremony, a luncheon and a breakout session were the educators shared ideas.
Chavez said before arriving she didn’t know what to expect and was moved by Phillips' personal stories about each teacher. Also, she was impressed that state dignitaries were present.
Handing out certificates were representatives for state Sen. Fran Pavley, Rep. Henry Waxman, Rep. Elton Gallegly and Assemblyman Jeff Gorell.
“After Adam (Haverstock, Gorell's representative) shook my hand, he said, ‘You deserve this,’ and that made me feel good,” said Chavez.