LISA BANUELOS, elementary school teacher of the year (OVSD photo).

The Ocean View School District has announced its elementary and middle school Teachers of the Year with surprise visits to College View Elementary School and Mesa View Middle School. The 2022-23 Teachers of the Year are Lisa Banuelos, a kindergarten teacher at College View Elementary, and Denise Gribbin, a special education teacher at Mesa View Middle School.

Superintendent Carol Hansen and Board Vice President Patricia Singer made the surprise announcements at each school amidst cheers and applause. It was also announced that Mrs. Gribbin will serve as the District’s nominee for the county-level Teacher of the Year program, which is coordinated by the Orange County Department ofEducation in the spring.

“While these teachers serve different student populations, they are both shining examples of how to teach with care and compassion. They are nurturing and encouraging and lettheir students know that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to,” said Hansen.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I’d like to thank these inspirational teachers for the passion and professionalism they have demonstrated during these extraordinary times,” stated Gina Clayton-Tarvin, president of the Ocean View School District Board of Trustees.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR

• Lisa Banuelos, College View Elementary School, Huntington Beach

Banuelos has been a teacher at College View for the past 25 years. She has taught kindergarten, first grade, and second grade and “always transforms her classroom into a home away from home.”

Banuelos takes on many different positions and assignments at College View, but this year she and her team partner were instrumental in obtaining an All Kids Bike grant. This grant provided all kindergarten students with a bike, helmet, safety equipment, and learn-to-ride curriculum. “Banuelos went above and beyond to help teach her students the life-long skill of learning how to ride a bike, which is a developmental milestone that promotes confidence, mobility, joy, and overall wellbeing. Banuelos is a beloved teacher and her colleagues say that her fun-loving personality and ability to make a song out of anything creates a fun and lively classroom environment.”

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR

• Denise Gribbin, Mesa View Middle School, Huntington Beach

Gribbin has been a special education teacher in the Ocean View School District for 14 years. She has been a special day class and resource specialist program teacher at several schools throughout the district. Gribbin is known for “doing whatever it takes to make sure her students’ needs are met. 

“Her students respond to her firm yet positive demeanor, and she knows just how much assistance to provide them so that they feel empowered to achieve their goals.” Throughout the pandemic, and especially during distance learning, Gribbin has provided specialized academic instruction and support to her students and their families. 

“She has been the calm in the storm, and her students and families are always comforted knowing how much she truly cares. Gribbin demonstrates the same care when it comes to her colleagues, and she is always willing to help train and share best practices. Her colleagues say that she does not know how to do anything 100 percent, only 110 percent.”

College View Elementary School is located at 6582 Lennox Drive in Huntington Beach. Mesa View Middle School is located at 17601 Avilla Lane in Huntington Beach.

The OVSD is a K-8 district serving the communities of Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Westminster, and Midway City.

DENISE GRIBBIN, intermediate school teacher of the year (OVSD photo).