Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/635847
Darla Dreesen A R T T E A C H E R Associated Calexico Teachers She's been teaching art for nearly four decades and sees teaching as an art form, too. She created her own A-G art appreciation class at Calexico High School, which includes reading and writing about art, as well as creating art with pastels, ink and charcoal. "I love my job," says Darla Dre- esen, 60. Art, she explains, is everywhere, including candy wrappers, buildings, flowers, and of course museums. Her students just need a little encouragement to look around — and away from their phones — to see it. Choose happiness: Every day I decide I'm going to be happy. I'm in charge of my own happiness. I have even told a few students that nothing is going to make me mad, and my goal is to stay happy and joyful. Savor the moment: I like to stand outside my room and just say good morning to people. This campus has 2,600 kids, and they all know me because they walk by my classroom. Joy can be found in everyday things. Enjoy small victories: Kids will come into my art class and say "I can't do it," but obviously everybody can create art. I had one student who swore he couldn't draw, but he turned out one of the best tessellations (a pattern of shapes that fit together perfectly) that I've seen in 39 years. Mary Ambriz S C H O O L O F F I C E M A N A G E R Redlands Education Support Professionals Association You might say her desk is the command center of Mariposa Elementary School. Stationed outside the principal's office behind the front counter, Mary Ambriz organizes office operations and procedures, greets visitors, handles correspondence, oversees supply requisitions, and performs other essential tasks to keep the school running smoothly. Despite constant interruptions — children with runny noses needing tissues, parents bringing in forgotten lunches, ringing phones — Ambriz always has a smile. At 61, she is taking on new challenges and excited about what life has to offer. Keep on learning: I got a little sidetracked when I had children, but I always wanted to earn my degree. I graduated in 2013 from the University of Redlands with a degree in business administration. My youngest son and I graduated on the same day from the same school. The most important thing I learned in college is how to get people to work together toward a common goal so they can become a winning team. Have a sense of humor: So many funny things happen every day. It's OK to laugh out loud. Maintain a balance: I love reading. I quilt. I meditate every day. I am very involved as a volunteer in my community. My husband passed away suddenly more than a year ago, and the support I received from my community has been absolutely amazing. It's something I am very grateful for. Photo courtesy Darla Dreesen 23 February 2016