A Real Inspiration

VENTURA — Karen Biedebach calls her classroom at Anacapa Middle School “the real world.”

Not that it reflects the MTV show of the same name, in which young people share a home and their experiences. This real world is a little more serious.

Biedebach’s classroom is a place where real people--SWAT officers, senators, mayors--talk to students about their lives in hopes that the students will realize the classes they take today will affect their lives tomorrow, no matter what career they grow into.

“If you can connect with them, you can get them to do somersaults in your class,” Biedebach, 33, said.

It was Biedebach doing somersaults Friday when she was named the Ventura County Teacher of the Year, an award administered by the county Board of Education. The sixth-grade teacher is now eligible for the state Teacher of the Year award.

A 25-year resident of Ventura and a 1982 graduate of Ventura High, Biedebach said she coaxes academic success from her students by getting to know them and their families.

“This is a pivotal time in their lives, and I like to think I make a positive impact on their lives,” she said.

What her students in math, social studies and self-esteem classes get that other students might not is a firsthand look at the responsibility that comes with being an adult.

“[Ventura County Dist. Atty.] Michael Bradbury has been to my class, people from the mayor’s office, park rangers, private investigators, even the SWAT team,” Biedebach said. “I want my kids to learn the skills in my class and see how they can apply them in the future.”

One of her former high school instructors, Alphonse Marra, remembered Biedebach as a leader.

“Karen was very bright, participated in everything in the class,” said Marra, who has since retired. “Her personality shone. You can’t forget people like that.

“I’m not surprised that she has made this award.”

Virginia Mendoza O’Neil, administrator with the Ventura Education Partnership, a foundation supporting Ventura educators, agreed.

“Quality is quality,” she said.

This isn’t her first award. Last May, the Ventura Education Partnership honored Biedebach and Oak View Elementary School teacher Joan Archer as its top-ranking Golden Wings award recipients.

Biedebach said the county Teacher of the Year title takes on special importance because it recognizes her work in the district she grew up in.

And while colleagues may shake their heads at the thought of teaching middle-school students, Biedebach said she wouldn’t want to teach any other age group.

“A lot of people can’t believe I like teaching middle school, but I love it,” she said.