Nordhoff Teacher Is Educator of Year

Nordhoff High School teacher Janice McCormick has been selected as Educator of the Year by the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce.

McCormick joined the Ojai district in 1996 as a grant writer. Two years later, she joined the high school faculty. She is currently a counselor and math teacher.

“This award is well-deserved recognition,” Principal Jack Smith said. “She does so many things well in the classroom, but she also does a tremendous job of connecting kids to the community.”

McCormick serves as faculty advisor for the school’s University Club for college-bound students and the group’s new American Sign Language Club.

McCormick taught citizenship classes at Ojai Valley Museum. She also is a member of several Ojai environmental groups.

“Other people are doing some incredible things but aren’t quite as visible,” McCormick said. “My hope is that this award will bring greater recognition to the type of work, which is so important, and spotlight the acts and deeds of volunteerism in our community.”

McCormick said she tries to promote hands-on educational experiences that connect classroom instruction with real-life experience, and stresses the importance of investing time in volunteer efforts.

“What she really sees as her strength is the concept of learning in order to serve the larger community,” Smith said. “That’s just a great concept for our kids and she is an absolute advocate for that approach to education. What she has done for Nordhoff is extraordinary.”