January-February Staff Highlight

The Staff Highlight for this month is Mrs. Woodward, our Spanish teacher! Mrs. Woodward moved here as a kid in 1973 and then again as an adult in 1985. She started teaching at the high school in 2008 and has been teaching for 30 years. She has taught at Woodrow Wallace MS, Wallace Elementary, Kernville Elementary, and Kern Valley High.  When asked how long she was planning on teaching and what she would do after, Mrs. Woodward replied with “A few more years. I will do some traveling with my husband and complete my many unfinished handwork projects and learn some new ones as well.” 

Señora Woodward has said that this school year has been a big improvement from the last two years. She has spent quite a bit of time redesigning her curriculum to make it engaging and productive for the students. Those who participate fully will learn and progress in Spanish. Señora states that she “likes the fact that this is a small school and community where everyone can be involved in a variety of activities. A teacher can really get to know their students, both within and outside of the classroom. I enjoy outside recreational opportunities in our valley. I was big into water skiing and horseback riding while in high school. The Kern River Valley is a beautiful, clean, safe environment in which to raise a family.”

Señora is the advisor for the Spanish Club. She planned the induction into the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, which was held in October. She is also planning on holding Senior Stars in April, CSF Signing Night, and the Cinco de Mayo production in May. She enjoys running, playing the keyboard and ukulele, and enjoys sewing and quilting. She is a living history reenactor and utilizes her costuming knowledge to create garments for herself and her family. She is an active member of several organizations and sits on the State Executive Board of the California Scholarship Federation.

Señora brings lots of joy and personality to her classroom and to her students. I have seen the changes of moods throughout the day before and after being in her classroom. I have witnessed firsthand how her class helps you, not only academically but also gives you a good laugh. Thank you for all your hard work Señora! We love and appreciate you!