Two Mesa Verde teachers honored

Each month, Moorpark Unified School District officials meet at on a school campus to conduct their regular meeting. In addition to handling routine administrative issues, the meetings present an opportunity for local school administrators to show off their best programs and honor dedicated teachers.

Mesa Verde Middle School Principal Kelli Hays recognized the efforts of seventh grade language arts teachers Judy Rosander and Becky Duncan.

They both have been at Mesa Verde for about a decade. "They're positive, innovative and diligent and they make sure that students learn what they need to learn," said the principal.

While many of their students are English learners, these two teachers managed to achieve notable achievements on state mandated tests.

Rosander and Duncan "took the bull by the horn," said Hays. They collaborated, created effective lesson plans and delved into teaching to ensure that their students would succeed.

"Both of them have helped students to achieve beyond expectations," said Hays. Consequently, Mesa Verde earned it's highest Academic Point Index scores last year and students showed significant gains throughout. "It's the direct result of incredible teaching," said Tammy Herzog, program coordinator at Mesa Verde.

"Rosander and Duncan truly embody the no child left behind philosophy," she said.

- Sylvie Belmond