A veteran teacher who has spent his career working with students with disabilities has been named Teacher of the Year for schools operated by the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). Shamus Auth has been a special education teacher at VCOE schools for 18 years and currently teaches young adults with disabilities at VCOE’s Dorothy Boswell School in Ventura. Mr. Auth will now be in the running for the Ventura County Teacher of the Year award, which is open to all teachers countywide.

Mr. Auth found out about the honor today when his family, his Principal Aran Burke and Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Dr. César Morales made a surprise visit to his classroom. Also on hand to break the good news were VCOE Associate Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Consuelo Hernandez Williams and VCOE Executive Director of Special Education Holly Minear.

“Mr. Auth works tirelessly both in the classroom and the community to teach students lifelong skills that will maximize their ability to lead meaningful lives,” said Principal Burke. “He instills a sense of strength and hope to the students he engages with. His students build undeniable confidence and a sense of self, knowing they have the power to achieve anything in life no matter the obstacle.”

Mr. Auth has been instrumental in building partnerships with local businesses to secure job training for Boswell students. His efforts have strengthened the ability of the school to offer skill building opportunities in real world environments. “Some Boswell students have been in VCOE special education schools since they were young children,” said Superintendent Morales. “The wonderful work that Mr. Auth is doing will help ensure they’re prepared to continue their education or find employment when they leave our program.”

Nominations for the countywide Teacher of the Year contest are being accepted until May 7. Additional information is available at www.vcoe.org/TeacheroftheYear.