Simi Valley Education Foundation

The Simi Valley Education Foundation is proud to announce the June Teacher of the Month (TOTM) – Leslie Brooks from Garden Grove Elementary School.

Leslie Brooks teaches a grade 2/3 class at Garden Grove Elementary. Her dedication to student growth is evident in the way she thoughtfully differentiates her instruction to meet individual needs. She is committed to creating a fun and engaging learning experience and brings learning to life in her classroom, designing lessons that are interactive, creative, and meaningful. Leslie’s approach fosters a classroom environment where curiosity is sparked, confidence is built, and every student feels valued and successful.

The Teacher of the Month Program highlights educators across the Simi Valley Unified School District who demonstrate outstanding performance and make meaningful contributions to their students and schools.

Each month, honorees are celebrated with tokens of appreciation from generous community partners, including Chick-fil-A, Grand Canyon University, Harley’s Bowl, Iverson Construction, Logix Federal Credit Union, Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, Simi Valley YMCA, Eric Little with State Farm Insurance, Ventura County Credit Union, and the Walt Fuller Foundation. Local dignitaries also present personalized certificates of recognition, reinforcing the strong bond between schools and the broader community.

“Together, we send a clear message that the business community supports and values the dedication of our teachers,” said Ryan Fowler, Board President of the Simi Valley Education Foundation.

Since its founding in 1989, the Simi Valley Education Foundation has invested more than $2.5 million into Simi Valley public schools through innovative classroom grants, school-wide projects, department enhancements, and scholarships for graduating seniors.

For more information about the Teacher of the Month program, please contact Cindy Jacoby at (877) SIMI-KID or visit svef.org.

PHOTO CAPTION:
Pictured from the left at Garden Grove Elementary are: Anthony Avila, representing Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin; Kate Vega, representing Congresswoman Julia Brownley; Maya Goehner from Senator Henry Stern’s office; Eric Elizondo, Logix Federal Credit Union; Shere Grant, Grand Canyon University; Mike Kort, representing Supervisor Janice Parvin; Joseph Ayala, Simi Valley Councilmember and SVEF Board Member; Nicole Perryman, Principal; Leslie Brooks; Elaine Litster, TOTM Chair and Simi Valley City Councilmember; Ryan Fowler, SVEF Board President; Eric Little, State Farm Insurance; Tarja Little, SVEF Board Member; Jenny Fuller, SVEF Board Member; and Jamie Snodgrass, SVUSD Assistant Superintendent of Instruction & Pupil Services.

Help Us Honor an Outstanding Teacher for the 2026-2027 School Year!

As the 2025-2026 school year comes to an end, this is the perfect time to reflect on the teachers who made a meaningful difference in your child’s life. Whether they inspired confidence, encouraged growth, created a love of learning, or simply made your student feel seen and supported, we invite you to help us recognize those extraordinary educators.

Since 2015, we have proudly honored outstanding teachers throughout the District each month through our Teacher of the Month program. This recognition celebrates educators who demonstrate exceptional teaching, creativity in the classroom, and a deep commitment to their students and school community.

Many of our most meaningful nominations come directly from parents and families who have witnessed the positive impact these teachers make every day. Your nomination helps shine a light on the educators who go above and beyond for our students.

To make the process simple, we have provided the link below for you to nominate a special teacher from your school.

Visit www.svef.org to begin the nomination process!

We are proud to announce the May Teacher of the Month (TOTM) – Dylan Shapiro from Santa Susana High School.

Dylan Shapiro is an exceptional educator whose dedication and passion for teaching consistently inspires his students. He creates an environment that encourages students to be more engaged, focused, and motivated to do their best. Through his commitment and ability to connect with his students, he inspires them to challenge themselves and reach their full potential. His impact extends beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impression on those he teaches.

The Teacher of the Month Program highlights educators across the Simi Valley Unified School District who demonstrate outstanding performance and make meaningful contributions to their students and schools.

Each month, honorees are celebrated with tokens of appreciation from generous community partners, including Chick-fil-A, Grand Canyon University, Harley’s Bowl, Iverson Construction, Logix Federal Credit Union, Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, Simi Valley YMCA, Eric Little with State Farm Insurance, Ventura County Credit Union, and the Walt Fuller Foundation. Local dignitaries also present personalized certificates of recognition, reinforcing the strong bond between schools and the broader community.

“Together, we send a clear message that the business community supports and values the dedication of our teachers,” said Ryan Fowler, Board President of the Simi Valley Education Foundation.

For more information about the Teacher of the Month program, please contact Cindy Jacoby at (877) SIMI-KID or visit svef.org.

PHOTO CAPTION:
Pictured from the left at SSHS are: Sharon Lorkowski, SVEF Board Member; Eric Little, State Farm Insurance; Tarja Little, SVEF Board Member; Kate Vega, representing Congresswoman Julia Brownley; Mike Kort, representing Supervisor Janice Parvin; Maya Goehner from Senator Henry Stern’s office; Liz Hernandez, SVEF Board member; Airmee Spurbeck-Boian, SSHS Principal; Dylan Shapiro; Ryan Fowler, SVEF Board President; Elaine Litster, TOTM Chair and Simi Valley City Councilmember; Jenny Fuller, SVEF Board Member; Mike Kort, representing Supervisor Janice Parvin; Matt Guzzo, SVUSD Director of Secondary Education; and Shere Grant, Grand Canyon University.