SBCEO Teacher of the Year Alisyn Blanton

In this episode, Schooled Radio talks with the 2022 Santa Barbara County Education Office teacher of the year, Alisyn Blanton! Known as “Mrs. B” by her students, her classroom is affectionately referred to as “The Hive” and she works to develop a strong sense of community and family among them.

“Alisyn is a gifted educator who shares her love of learning throughout her classroom and school community. She is committed to educational excellence and demonstrates her passion, skill, and dedication with energy and fervor,” said Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Susan Salcido. “Teachers like Alisyn inspire students to learn, grow, achieve, and succeed.”

Lompoc Unified School District Superintendent Trevor McDonald said, “Alisyn’s dedication and grit is a rarity. Her students are better for it. Alisyn is able to bring out the best in others. Her zeal for teaching and learning is infectious. Alisyn is committed to student improvement, making school what we all dream of.”

“Alisyn creates an engaging classroom culture that not only accepts and celebrates differences but does so while holding high expectations for all of her students and honoring the ideal that ALL kids can learn,” said Becky Sausker, Principal of Miguelito Elementary School. “Her ingenuity and willingness to learn helped her adapt that same classroom culture to the remote universe.”

Born and raised in Santa Barbara County, she has now been teaching in the Lompoc Unified School District for 18 years. Following in the footsteps of her grandmother and great grandmother, she has taught elementary school in grades varying from kindergarten through 5th grade.

Bits of music you may notice: Yo La Tengo, "Georgia Vs. Yo La Tengo," Mick Karn featuring David Sylvian, "Buoy," Luna, "This Time Around."

This episode first aired on 91.9 KCSB-FM on November 18, 2021.