Lodi educators named employees of the year
Educators play a huge role in the lives of students, parents and communities, and the Teacher and Classified Employees of the Year program is recognizing them.
This year, two Lodi Unified School District educators were nominated in the program. Ariana Rodriguez-Ruvira, the bilingual community liaison at Needham Elementary School, was named a Classified Employee of the Year in the support services and security category of the program.
Amy Lundeberg, a teacher in the English language arts department of McNair High School, was also nominated for Teacher of the Year. The winning teachers will be selected at the San Joaquin County Office of Education’s dinner on June 8.
Rodriguez-Ruvira has worked at Needham for 10 years, and has held her current position for two years. She is responsible for communicating among teachers, doctors and parents regarding student information.
Eighty-five percent of Needham parents are Spanishspeaking. Rodriguez-Ruvira acts as a translator between teachers and parents so that they stay updated on their child’s academics, behavior and health.
Rodriguez-Ruvira has started programs at Needham to help parents learn English and inform them of students’ needs. She also works to help needy families through programs like Lodi Adopt-AChild.
Her work with Spanishspeaking parents and her desire to help students has earned her great recognition within the district and San Joaquin County. She will be referred to the California Teacher and Classified Employee of the Year program later this year.
“It’s exciting and rewarding to hear feedback from parents
who are very thankful day-to-day,” said RodriguezRuvira. “What I do on a daily basis comes natural to me, but it’s nice to get recognition from them.”
Since being named a Classified Employee of the Year, Rodriguez-Ruvira has received praise from students, parents and colleagues. Her recognition has led to conversations with students about achievement.
“The students talk about the things they want to achieve, and I tell them, ‘You can help anyone wherever you are; no matter where you go your skills can help you achieve whatever you want,’” she said.
Rodriguez-Ruvira has a heart for students and parents
that makes her stand out. She is known as the heart of Needham Elementary and her work strengthens the school community. “She is the needle and thread that connects us all,” said Principal Ruth Barajas.
The Teacher and Classified Employee of the Year program’s goal is to recognize the work of educators in San Joaquin County.
“The teachers not only put work into mastering their craft, but they also bring knowledge to their colleagues and promote community engagement, so we want to recognize those things,” said Zack Johnson, San Joaquin County Office of Education Public Information Officer.
Each educator must acquire
at least two referral letters in order to be nominated, in which they are then voted on by the San Joaquin Office of Education.
Teachers are nominated based on the San Joaquin Office of Education’s standards, including engaging and supporting students in learning, creating effective environments for learning, and developing as a professional educator. Classified employees are nominated for their work performance, school community involvement and leadership.
A winner was chosen for each of the six categories of the Classified Employee of the Year program, and the winners of the Teacher of the Year program will be announced on June 8.