Teacher Tribute celebrates educators
Approximately 300 people gathered at the Canyon Country Community Center on Friday to celebrate and honor more than 50 teachers of the Santa Clarita Valley.
The teachers celebrated came from almost every school in the SCV, and master of ceremonies Dave Caldwell said this edition of the Teacher Tribute, hosted by the SCV Education Foundation, was special because it was the first time the community could honor its teachers in person since the pandemic.
“But this way people can intermingle, and just see each other again,” said Caldwell. “You can see it with the school community, how so many people have taught together over the years, worked together, and so they’re pretty excited to be together. We’re excited to have them together.”
Caldwell and other organizers of the event were decked out in seafaring costumes and regalia to fit the “Education Lifesavers” theme of the event, which was meant to make
the guests feel like they were on a cruise ship, according to Caldwell.
The event also featured a free meal and a musical performance by fifth and sixth graders who performed on ukuleles received as part of a grant in 2020.
“We just feel it’s important to acknowledge that they’re such a cornerstone of our community in terms of what they provide to kids and for giving all kids a chance,” said Caldwell. “It’s been particularly tough for them the last couple years with COVID. Like we’ve all had to deal with adjustments and everything else and we’re proud of them.”
Tara Gordon, a teacher at Live Oak Elementary for 27 years, is one of these people and she said it was “super humbling” to be awarded for her hard work.
“I’ve worked with a lot of these teachers in the multiple districts and I think after all this time it’s just nice you’re recognized by your peers, it means more than you know,” said Gordon.
Gordon also said that being able to go to an in-person event with her peers was something she’d been waiting a long time for. “It’s fun, like we’re having a good time because we’ve been, like, cooped up for so long,” said Gordon.
Heather Frame, a teacher at West Ranch High School who was also being honored, seemed to have a similar sense of gratitude toward the whole event but said it was never the reason she got into teaching.
“It’s lovely to be acknowledged, it’s not why we do it,” said Frame. “It’s not about us, so it was a lovely surprise. It’s a nice little tribute. Especially given last year, and how like crazy the last few years have been. It was a nice acknowledgment.”