Pacifica High School English teacher John Beck learned that he was chosen as Teacher of the Year during a surprise visit to his classroom. Beck’s family members joined representatives from the Ventura County Office of Education and Oxnard Union High School District to congratulate him.
“We are incredibly proud to honor John Beck as the 2026 Ventura County Teacher of the Year,” said Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Cesar 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.”
During his 21 years as an educator, Beck has remained steadfast in his commitment to ensure students feel supported and comfortable in the classroom.
“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,” says Beck, who currently teaches at Pacifica High School in Oxnard. As an English teacher and site Learning, Instruction and Technology (LIT) Coach, Beck heads an expansive program that includes a variety of English courses.
As Pacifica’s LIT Coach, Beck helps provide students with access to educational opportunities and is quick to lend a hand to fellow teachers.
“He supports teachers in creating lessons that give all students a way in, especially our English learners and students who have historically been underserved,” shares 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.”
We caught up with Beck to find out more about his passion for teaching.
CVL: Where did you grow up?
John Beck: I grew up in Ojai and spent most of my time outdoors, riding my bike, hiking and running.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I was lucky to have excellent teachers growing up, and I really enjoyed school as a student. I also came from a family of teachers. My father was a biology teacher turned principal, and his two brothers were also teachers, one who married another teacher. I also had a grandmother who was an elementary school teacher. In many ways, it felt like a family business.
Where was your first teaching job?
My first teaching job was at Santa Susana High School in Simi Valley. I was hired as an English teacher but soon became the ASB Director and Senior Project Advisor as well. I taught there for eight years.
Do you have any mentors?
Besides my many family members who were teachers, my mentor teacher at Santa Susana High School, John Kohlmeier, was a significant influence on my style as a teacher. He is a great storyteller and was masterful at helping students find ways to tell their own stories. His love of literature was infectious, and he did an admirable job of getting students excited about reading. He was always generous with his time and taught from the heart.
What do you want your students to know?
I want my students to understand that education is about far more than grades; it is about becoming thoughtful, curious and compassionate human beings. I hope they learn that mistakes and challenges are essential parts of growth and that perseverance matters more than perfection. Through literature, I want them to develop empathy, appreciate different perspectives and recognize their responsibility to contribute positively to the world around them. Above all, I want them to leave my classroom believing in their ability to learn and shape their own future through the choices they make.
What do you like most about teaching?
What I like best about teaching is witnessing growth. There is something incredibly rewarding about watching students develop confidence, discover new ideas, overcome challenges and begin to see possibilities in themselves that they may not have recognized before. I enjoy the relationships that are built along the way and the opportunity to help students find their voices, passions and purpose. I also love the creativity involved in the profession and that I have to continually learn and grow as an educator to meet the needs of my students.
What is challenging?
One of the greatest challenges of teaching is meeting the diverse academic, social and emotional needs of every student while helping each one succeed. It can also be difficult when growth is not immediately visible. However, seeing students develop confidence, skills and resilience with time makes these challenges worthwhile.
What are your thoughts about using AI in the classroom?
I believe AI can be a powerful tool in the classroom when used thoughtfully and responsibly. Like a calculator or search engine, AI can support learning by helping students brainstorm ideas, receive feedback, explore concepts and access information more efficiently. However, it should enhance learning rather than replace critical thinking, creativity or the learning process itself. Oftentimes, students want to take the easy way instead of putting in the work to truly educate themselves, so I have transformed the way I run my class and have gone back to many pen and paper assignments instead of completing all work on computers.
What do you like to do when you’re not in the classroom?
I love spending time outdoors: hiking, backpacking in the Sierras and running around my beautiful neighborhood. I enjoy traveling with my wife and two children (we are big fans of the national parks) and going to Dodger games. Finding some quiet time to read a book in my favorite chair is also a favorite of mine but doesn't happen too frequently with the busy pace of my life.
With this honor, 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.
I want my students to understand that education is about far more than grades; it is about becoming thoughtful, curious and compassionate human beings.