Women's Basketball Honors "Favorite Teachers"

Each year, every member of the sophomore class of the Ventura College women's basketball team selects a "Favorite Teacher" based on their own personal criteria. 2014-15 was the 10th year in which the team has honored their favorite teachers, and 52 awards have been presented, including the 2015 class of honorees.  On Saturday February 7, President Greg Gillespie and Athletic Director Will Cowen helped the team honor the five newest Ventura College instructors to be added to that list. These instructors, through their skill, expertise, thoughtfulness, and humanity have earned the distinction of being named the team's 2015 "Favorite Teachers" 

Emily Spitler, English – selected by Sandra Ortiz
My favorite teacher at Ventura College is Emily Spitler, who taught my English class in Spring of 2014. Her teaching helped me to understand poetry! She explained everything she taught, and broke the subjects down into understandable topics. To some people, that sounds like what a teacher should be doing, but in my experience, she is the one of the few teachers who cared about me understanding the lessons. She had flexible office hours and was willing to sit down and give me individual attention to make the subject more understandable. In her class my reading comprehension improved and I was able to enjoy the material. The way she taught us to break down the reading just made sense. She gave me confidence that I had never felt before. She is the best teacher I have ever had, and definitely my favorite teacher at VC.

Joy Kobyashi, Chemistry – selected by Madison O'Donnell
A year ago, I arrived twenty minutes late on my first day of Chemistry lab. My professor, Joy Kobyashi, was upset. She repeatedly told me how lucky I was that she didn't replace me with one of the several students lined up half way down the hall who were all begging to enter her class. Her 7:30 am lab was not the easiest to wake up to every morning, especially after game days. She not only taught me Chemistry, but also has helped me grow as an individual. She would tell me that even though Chemistry doesn't come as easily to most of her students as it does to her, we all have our own talents and that's what makes each one of us unique. She met with me on endless occasions, day and night, to guide me throughout the semester. She has enthusiasm and passion to ensure all of her students reach their highest potential. Looking back, I am thankful she kept me in her class on that early Tuesday morning.

Liz Kraus, English , – selected by Carolyn Ruffino
I chose Mrs. Kraus as my favorite professor, not only for her incredible teaching methods but also for her personable qualities and the example she radiates for others. She is warm, kind, down to earth and genuinely opens her heart for every one of her students. I was told to take her class because "she would change my life", she did just that. Mrs. Kraus is so passionate through her work and she truly wants every student to succeed. She devotes her free time to meet with students outside of school to ensure a better understanding. She is highly intelligent and has a very unique teaching method. Mrs. Kraus demands her students to be constantly engaged and creates an atmosphere that her class is a sanctuary. I never imagined enjoying English VO1B, however, I looked forward to walking into her class every Thursday night. She made class humorous, relatable, and always exciting. I am sincerely grateful to have had such an amazing person teaching me, and truly look up to you. Thank you Mrs. Kraus for everything!

Lauri Moore, Sociology – selected by Micaela Pericone-Kapp
Ms. Lauri Moore is by far my favorite teacher I've come to know at Ventura College. On the first day of class I was excited to learn more about my favorite subject, Sociology, but her lively personality and entertaining sense of humor made me look forward to the semester that much more. She is incredibly down to earth and it's easy to see she genuinely loves being in class, working to better each and every one of her students. My favorite attribute about Ms. Moore is how she encourages students to become active members of society. I especially want to thank her for helping me and several other student athletes get involved in a fundraiser that supported a group of kids known as The Children of Veterans. I felt honored and extremely grateful for being given that opportunity. Ms. Moore, thank you for making such a positive difference in my life and for helping me grow into a more involved and successful student athlete. I hope someday I can benefit others in the same way.

Mickey Perry, Math – selected by Carly Maciel
Mr. Perry is by far the best teacher I have had at Ventura College. I had the opportunity to work a basketball camp for him in the summer a couple years back, so I was able get to know Mickey on a more personal level. Math is my worst subject and he made it fun and enjoyable for me. He answered every question possible and stayed late for his students teaching difficult concepts. He helped me enjoy a subject I thought I could never like. I was excited to go to math class just because of him. I love Mr. Perry so much, not just as a teacher but a friend, and as someone I look up to. He has a generous and amazing heart, and is the BEST math teacher. Thank you Mr. Perry.