Silverado Janette Gomez honored among region’s best high school teachers

Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press
·2 min read
Silverado High School Teacher Janette Gomez, center, School District Superintendent Carl Coles (foreground right) pose with the VVUHSD Board of Trustees, back row from left to right: Rosie Hinojos, Jose Berrios, Penny Edmiston, Barbara Dew and Kent Crosby. Gomez was recently recognized by the California League of Educators as one of the top high school teachers in the region.

A Silverado High School teacher has been honored as one of the best high school educators in one Southern California region.

Longtime special education teacher Janette Gomez was among nine educators recognized by the California League of Educators Region 10 in a recent awards ceremony.

The education region includes Inland Empire-based San Bernardino and Riverside counties and Inyo and Mono counties.

Gomez has been with the Victor Valley Union High School District for 15 years and teaches for the district’s Autism/Perspectives program, based at Silverado High.

Silverado Principal Heather Conkle, who nominated Gomez for the award, said that the award-winning teacher “balances extreme behaviors while maintaining a sense of equity, inclusion, and access for these students.”

“She is tireless in her attempts to mainstream these students into the school and community through transportation experiences, travel trips, school activities, etc.,” Conkle added. “She handles all things with great patience and a calm demeanor.”

During her speech in the virtual awards presentation, Gomez said her motivation to become a special education teacher was sparked by her experience as a young mother whose own son was diagnosed with autism.

“After visiting and observing him in a preschool autism program, I knew that is where I needed to be,” Gomez said. “And I have not regretted my decision for one day.”

Gomez was honored at the CLE virtual ceremony and also visited in her classroom by Conkle and VVUHSD Superintendent Carl Coles. She was honored at the district’s most recent Board of Trustees meeting.

“Nothing is more important in education than the connection between a teacher and a student,” Coles said. “That connection is often even more vital in a special education classroom. Ms. Gomez can connect with students who often present challenging behaviors, helping them live their purpose after high school. We are extremely proud of Ms. Gomez and are lucky to have her as part of our team.”

Gomez was the second VVUHSD teacher honored by the CLE this winter. Hook Junior High School teacher Mona Saad was also recognized in the middle school category.

Saad, a multi-subject teacher at the Victorville-based Hook Junior High, was among 15 middle school teachers recognized at an awards dinner in December in downtown Riverside.

District officials said that Saad, who has been with the Victor Valley Union High School District since 2015, is known for the welcoming environment she creates for students.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Silverado Janette Gomez honored among region’s best high school teachers