On March 6th, Azusa Pacific University (APU) Murrieta Regional Center and KATY-FM 101.3, The Mix, honored its February “Teachers Are Heroes” award recipient Peter Smith, a teacher from the Betty G. Gibbel Regional Learning Center (RLC) in San Jacinto, CA. Mr. Smith was nominated by his students who said about their teacher, “Mr. Smith is an exceptional teacher; he inspires and encourages us, he does not “label” us, and he provides a safe learning environment.”
Principal Norm Diggs and staff said, “We were not surprised that Mr. Smith was selected for this honor.” They indicated that Smith has a great rapport with his students and has a passion to teach and inspire them. Smith is a teacher who has made a difference in his students’ lives by being an inspiration and by helping his students to see a brighter future for themselves.
Mr. Smith is fortunate to work with an exemplary teacher assistant, Monique Brown, who provides exceptional support to him and is also an inspiration to the students. Students in their classroom said nice things about Ms. Brown as well.
The Betty G. Gibbel RLC is not aware of the number of students they have helped, but administration and faculty feel a sense of accomplishment when they hear from former students saying that they are doing something positive with their lives.
The Betty G. Gibbel RLC provides a safe, secure, and positive learning environment to students. Students are encouraged to complete their contract requirements allowing them to return to the public school system in a timely manner, or to provide the student with a pathway to success leading them to a diploma or GED.
The Betty G. Gibbel RLC’s (onsite) program serves grades 6-12 in a traditional school environment. The independent study program serves elementary grade students through adults in an independent learning environment.
Mr. Smith was presented with a certificate of recognition, Six Flags tickets, a KATY-FM MIX t-shirt and Azusa Pacific University items. His classroom received a pizza party from The Pizza Factory in Temecula and all are invited to attend a special celebration at the Lake Elsinore Storm Stadium at the end of the school year.
The public is encouraged to participate in this teacher recognition program by nominating a teacher who personifies dedication to their students. Teachers can be nominated more than once per annual promotion. Nominations for the “Teachers Are Heroes” promotion are currently being taken until the last week of April 2014. For more information go to www.1013themix.com and keyword: Teachers.