Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce that Mia Rogers from Glen City Elementary School in the Santa Paula Unified School District (SPUSD) is the 2021 Ventura County Teacher of the Year. Rogers and her students found out about the honor today when her family and local dignitaries made a surprise visit to her classroom.

Rogers currently teaches second grade at Glen City Elementary. Her principal, Dr. Lydia Olivo, said Rogers takes a gentle but effective approach to ensuring each students’ success. “Succeeding is not an option for students in Mrs. Rogers’ class; it’s a given. She knows what each student is capable of, helps them gain confidence and pushes them beyond their current instructional level.”

Rogers became a teacher relatively late in life. Her first job out of college was working with troubled adolescents at the Ventra Youth Correctional Facility. She decided to return to school to earn her teaching credential in her thirties after becoming a mom and said it was the best decision she ever made. “Contrary to what some believe, teaching is not about summers off. It is about growing young minds into our communities’ future leaders, and it takes dedication, courage, and heart.”

Rogers said she’s a lifelong learner who makes a point to stay up to date with the latest technologies and approaches to teaching for the benefit of her students. “We need to teach kids the skills they need in life with the realization that these skills change over time,” she said. “How can we effectively do this if we are not also improving our skills regularly?”

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Rogers took the opportunity to teach her students about overcoming adversity and making the most of the tools they have at their disposal. “Mia Rogers embodies the tremendous value that public schools bring to our students,” said Dr. Morales. “By giving her students individualized attention and nurturing their unique talents, she is putting them on a path to success in school and in life.”

Rogers was selected as Ventura County Teacher of the Year by a committee of local educators. She is now eligible to be considered for the 2022 California Teacher of the Year award.  

The dignitaries who were on hand to honor Rogers today include:

• Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools
• Dr. Consuelo Hernandez Williams, VCOE Associate Superintendent, Student Services
• Dr. Ed Cora, SPUSD Superintendent
• Christine Schieferle, SPUSD Deputy Superintendent
• Dr. Lydia Olivo, Principal, Glen City Elementary School
• Jeri Mead, SPUSD School Board President
• Chris Wilson, SPUSD School Board Vice President
• Gabriela Ornelas, SPUSD School Board Member
• Anna Villicana-Arroyo, SPUSD School Board Member

More About the Teacher of the Year Program

The Teacher of the Year program is administered by the Ventura County Office of Education. Candidates are nominated by their district, school or professional organization. A panel of educators selects the winner based on the candidate’s essay, experience and an introductory letter from their sponsor. The first Ventura County Teacher of the Year was named in 1973. Additional information about the Teacher of the Year program, including a list of past honorees, is available by clicking here.