Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce that Shi Young Kim, a visual arts teacher from Rio Mesa High School in the Oxnard Union High School District, is the 2025 Ventura County Teacher of the Year. Ms. Kim received the surprise news during a classroom visit today by representatives from the Ventura County Office of Education and OUHSD. With a career marked by creativity, leadership, and dedication to student growth, Ms. Kim has inspired countless students through a dynamic blend of traditional and digital visual arts instruction.

Ms. Kim, who has been teaching for 25 years, currently serves as the Visual & Performing Arts Department Chair at Rio Mesa High School. She leads an expansive program that includes various courses such as International Baccalaureate Visual Arts, Calligraphy, Studio Art, Life Drawing, and Digital Photography. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of process over product and encourages students to explore their identities and creative voices.

“We are incredibly proud to honor Shi Young Kim as the 2025 Ventura County Teacher of the Year,” said Dr. Morales. “Her ability to empower students through the arts, while also mentoring colleagues and leading schoolwide initiatives, represents the very best of what teaching can be.”

Ms. Kim played a pivotal role in establishing the prestigious International Baccalaureate art program at Rio Mesa. The program helps students develop cultural awareness and critical thinking skills through visual media such as painting and sculpture. “Her students are consistently challenged to push their creative boundaries, engage in deep self-reflection, and explore global and personal themes through their artwork,” said Rio Mesa High School Principal, Gary Peterson. 

Students describe Ms. Kim as a compassionate and motivating mentor. “She regularly checked in when I felt there was no path ahead,” said Madison, one of Kim’s students. “Her belief in my potential, especially during times when I doubted myself, kept me going.” 

Ms. Kim's classroom is known for being dynamic and cultivating an inclusive atmosphere. “I have intentionally nurtured an environment of creativity, active engagement, and thoughtful inquiry,” Ms. Kim said. Her program goes beyond grades and rubrics, and can be best measured by the growth and connections her students build. 

With a broad spectrum of students in her classroom, she ensures that each one feels capable of meaningful artistic and academic growth. Building a space where encouragement and belonging are key, she is invested in her students and exemplifies how high-quality arts instruction can transform students’ academic and personal journeys. 

Ms. Kim is now eligible to represent Ventura County in the 2025 California Teacher of the Year competition.

More about the Teacher of the Year Program

The Teacher of the Year program is administered by the Ventura County Office of Education. Candidates are nominated by their district, school, or professional organization. A panel of educators selects the winner based on the candidate’s essay, experience, and an introductory letter from their sponsor. Winners at the county level become eligible to be considered for the California Teacher of the Year award. The first Ventura County Teacher of the Year was named in 1973. Additional information about the Teacher of the Year program, including a list of past honorees, is available by clicking here.