Teacher Sendy Ortiz credits several Lucerne Valley teachers for inspiring her to become a teacher at the LVUSD too.
Note: This article is a continuation of a series of LVUSD teachers who grew up in Lucerne Valley and chose to serve the community as teachers here.
A turning point in teacher Sendy Ortiz’s life was when she was a young student at Lucerne Valley Elementary School. Speaking Spanish at home, she needed to improve her English. “Mrs. Barela was so patient with me when she taught me how to speak, read, and write in English.”
In fact, a number of Lucerne Valley teachers made a lasting impact on Ms. Ortiz’s life.
“Mrs. Lazenby always pushed me to do my best and she helped become a better student. Mr. Wortham and Ms. Oyadomari had a way of teaching history that made it enjoyable and interesting.”
Because of them, she went on to major in English in college, but it was teacher Mr. Little who was just so passionate about teaching that Ms. Ortiz made the decision to become a teacher too.
“He spoke highly about the joys of teaching. He really inspired me to look into teaching as a possible career option,” she says. “I decided I wanted to be a teacher because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. I also love to learn and I'm learning every day how I can be a better teacher.”
Ms. Ortiz’s family moved to Lucerne when she was 3 years old. “I grew up on a farm and I remember tending to the animals after school. I also loved laying outside on a stack of hay and falling asleep to a beautiful starry night.”
She graduated from the high school 2008, followed by Barstow Community College where she earned her Associates in Humanities Degree. She then transferred to California State University, San Bernardino and graduated with a Bachelors in History.
Today, she lives in Victorville with her husband, and the couple has four sons, three of whom attend Lucerne Valley Elementary. After eight years teaching in Lucerne, Ms. Ortiz continues to find daily enjoyment in her chosen profession.
“One of the things that brings me the greatest joy is when they see that hard work and dedication pays off. I love seeing their happiness when they meet the goals they set for themselves. I love seeing them walk across that stage at their graduation ceremony. It always brings tears of joy to my eyes. I am making a difference by believing in them. They're always setting goals in class and we game plan how they can reach those goals.”
She is so glad to be a teacher in a school district where everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand.
“We're also so willing to do anything we can that is in the best interest to the students. Also, the students are amazing. I am proud to be a teacher at Lucerne Valley Middle High School. I love what I do.”