A Pacifica High School educator was named the 2026 Ventura County Teacher of the Year on May 12.
Oxnard English teacher, John Beck, was presented with a plaque to commemorate the award in his classroom surrounded by his students and family − Katie Beck, his wife, and daughter, Caroline.
“I’ve always felt really blessed to do what I do, to work with the young people that I get to work with,” said Beck. “Everyday is a challenge of course in this profession, but its always, always worthwhile and I wouldn’t be able to do it without the support that I get from the Oxnard Union High School District.”
Education officials such as Superintendent Cesar Morales and Pacifica Principal Chris Ramirez were also present to celebrate the occasion.
Beck has worked for 13 years of his 21-year education career at the high school, said Dave Schermer, a spokesperson for the Ventura County Office of Education, in a news release.
The educator also serves as the school’s Learning, Instruction and Technology Coach, a position that “ensures access to educational opportunities so all his students can grow and thrive,” the release says.
Each year the county office of education awards one teacher in the county with the award. Candidates are nominated by their district, school or professional organization. The winner is selected by a panel of educators.
Beck will represent the county to compete in the state Teacher of the Year Award competition later this year.
Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@vcstar.com, 805-437-0224 or @ecentenoaraujo on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Oxnard’s Pacifica High teacher named Ventura County’s best
Reporting by Ernesto Centeno Araujo, Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
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