Tucson Values Teachers (TVT) presented the September Teacher Excellence Award to Natashia Novak, a preschool special education teacher at Ocotillo Early Learning Center in Sunnyside Unified School District. In her position, Ms. Novak serves as both an itinerant Head Start teacher and a Child Find evaluator. Ms. Novak has been teaching for the past eight years. Prior to her role at Ocotillo, Ms. Novak served as the special education teacher at Play and Learn Preschool Center.
Ms. Novak was nominated by her colleague Jennifer Arenas-Cardenas. In the nominating statement, Ms. Arenas-Cardenas wrote, “Natashia Novak embodies excellence by guiding aspiring educators as a mentor and fostering an inclusive classroom for preschool children with special needs, rooted in evidence-based practices. Her unwavering support for general education teachers in aiding children with disabilities underscores her commitment to collaboration. She offers top-tier professional development that elevates her colleagues’ inclusionary practices.”
Ms. Arenas-Cardenas went on to write, “Natashia’s dedication extends to families during preschool to kindergarten transitions, exemplifying a holistic and nurturing approach to education. In these multifaceted roles, Natashia stands out as a beacon of excellence in teaching, transforming lives and fostering a brighter future.”
