Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce that John Beck, an English teacher from Pacifica High School in the Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD), is the 2026 Ventura County Teacher of the Year. Mr. Beck received the news this morning when his family members joined representatives from the Ventura County Office of Education and OUHSD in a surprise visit to his classroom.
“We are incredibly proud to honor John Beck as the 2026 Ventura County Teacher of the Year,” said Dr. Morales. “He’s the kind of teacher that students remember for actively listening and providing support and guidance that inspires them to pursue their goals in high school and beyond.”
Mr. Beck's 21-year career in education has been distinguished by his unwavering commitment to centering students, promoting equity, and collaborating with colleagues. He has been at Pacifica for 13 years and currently serves as an English teacher and site Learning, Instruction, and Technology (LIT) Coach. He leads an expansive program that includes a variety of English courses.
As Pacifica’s LIT Coach, Mr. Beck ensures access to educational opportunities so all his students can grow and thrive. Through modeling and co-teaching, he helps ensure that new teachers have the skills they need to best serve their students. “He supports teachers in creating lessons that give all students a way in, especially our English learners and students who have historically been underserved,” said Pacifica High School Principal Chris Ramirez. “Because of his guidance, we are having real conversations about fairness, expectations, and what it truly means to give every student a chance to succeed.”
Mr. Beck's classroom is known for a supportive atmosphere where students feel comfortable and confident and engage in academic discussions with their peers. “In a diverse community like ours, where students bring a wide range of experiences, languages, and aspirations into the classroom, my goal is to create an environment where every student sees themselves as a capable reader, writer, and thinker,” Mr. Beck said. His program is built to ensure equitable access to engaging, rigorous learning experiences that prepare students for success inside and outside the classroom.
Mr. Beck is now eligible to represent Ventura County in the 2026 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.