Isbell’s Gerry Sandoval honored as Educator of the Month
December 14, 2012
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
It takes education to help fuel business, and one of those in the business of education was honored at the recent Good Morning Santa Paula.
The December Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce-sponsored breakfast meeting was held at Garman’s Pub.
Chamber President John Chamberlain noted the award is the business organization’s way to recognize the importance of “educated kids coming out of the schools” to the future, including business and the overall economy.
Educator of the Month honoree Gerry Sandoval was introduced by Isbell Middle School Assistant Principal Gina Ramirez, who said working with the teacher “Is a real pleasure.” Sandoval “works very hard with the students,” not only as a Physical Education teacher but also on different levels not usually associated with the course.
Ramirez said Sandoval “is a very influential teacher, a great asset to our school” who “cares so much about our students and promotes them educationally, emotionally and physically also.”
Sandoval is a stickler for students maintaining the physical education schedule. Studies show that not only can physical education have lifelong health value - including stress relief - but that it can also act as a stimulus to learning.
“We’re happy,” said Ramirez, “to have Gerry represent Isbell, what we consider the best little school in Ventura County.”
Sandoval thanked the Chamber for the award, which includes a $50 gift certificate from the County Schools Federal Credit Union. Sandoval said he was humbled and “kind of embarrassed” at the recognition, and noted he has been an area teacher for about 14 years. “In spite of the fact I am a native of Fillmore,” Sandoval said, “Santa Paula is my home away from home.”
