For the Love of Teaching: Five RUSD Teachers Recognized for Excellence by Karen Bell - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

For the Love of Teaching: Five RUSD Teachers Recognized for Excellence

By Karen Bell, Community Writer
March 4, 2015 at 09:05am. Views: 75

The seventh annual Teachers of Excellence Program hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints on Feb. 26 honored five teachers in the Redlands Unified School District who have demonstrated their dedication, hard work and talent to their students and communities. The teachers were nominated by their peers, parents and community members for this annual event, each receiving recognition from RUSD Superintendent Lori Rhodes, a certificate of appreciation and a basket of teacher supplies. Among the honorees was George Ryder, who teaches at Mentone Elementary School. Ryder is a native Californian whose second career as a teacher followed one as a waiter. He said his philosophy is to teach students as if they are your own children. "You must be enthusiastic and show students you care about them," he said. Donna Provencher, a teacher at Arroyo Elementary School, is a graduate of Cal State Fullerton with a major in business and accounting. She began her teaching career as a classroom volunteer and returned to school to get her credential and a master's degree. She has always taught kindergarten and enjoys former students returning to visit her class. Her love of her students is reflected in their successes in the community. Cindy Cardoza, from Bryn Mar Elementary, has taught in the Redlands area for most of her career. Her teaching philosophy is to make sure students feel safe so they can learn. Everyday she makes it a point to talk to each one so they know they were noticed at school. Cardoza said she has wanted to be a teacher since third grade and her passion for it shows in her classroom. Jeffery Apmadoc from the Redlands School of Music came to teaching from a career in music performance. He played the trombone and traveled with major stars all over the country as a young man before establishing a 16 year-long career in retail. He changed direction once more in 1999 when he started as a music teacher in Redlands. He has been the district elementary band director for the past 15 years. He believes that if you love music and show that love to children they will catch it. According to Apmadoc, "Music makes life better." This is Apmadoc’s last year of teaching. The fifth honoree was Gerard Ledukhuize, who teaches at Clement Middle School. Ludikhuze came to the United States at the age of 5, from Holland. He is a product of the Redlands schools, starting kindergarten as a non-English speaking student. His career in Redlands covers three schools with the last 19 years at Clement Middle school, where he teaches woodshop. He is married to a fellow teacher and both his children are teachers. In the classroom, Ludikhuize uses the inquiry method by letting his students investigate, design and build using their creativity. His love of wood and people, especially his students, shows in his success as a middle school teacher.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 826

Moreno Valley fire officials keep a watchful eye on dry vegetation near local neighborhoods as fall inspections focus on reducing wildfire hazards and helping residents protect their homes before dangerous conditions arise. Red more on how to stay compliant and keep hazards at bay...

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:06am. Views: 436

An emergency preparedness representative speaks with a family at an outdoor earthquake safety information booth. A large Great California ShakeOut banner and displays explaining earthquake safety are visible beside emergency supplies, including a backpack, flashlight, water, and first-aid kit

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 30, -0001 at 12:00am. Views: 146

Young adults speak with a female public health outreach worker at an outdoor information table beside a mobile health services vehicle. Educational brochures and health resources are displayed, with a youth center building in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 477

A healthcare worker assists a resident during a community health outreach event. San Bernardino County's Wellness on Wheels program offers testing and preventive health resources at locations throughout the city.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 394

A female safety instructor demonstrates how to secure a young girl in a child car seat while the child's mother and older brother watch beside an open vehicle door. A child car seat safety education banner is visible in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 503

Redlands Police uniform patch beside a ceremonial police cap, framed recognition plaque, and white flowers. Police patrol vehicles, American and California flags, and a police department building appear in the background at sunset, symbolizing Police Chief Rachel Tolber's retirement after 28 years of service.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 248

Festive University of Redlands Homecoming celebration, with alumni, students, and families gathered on campus wearing maroon Bulldogs apparel. A bulldog mascot greets attendees while cheerleaders and a marching band perform near decorated tents and balloons, with university buildings and mountains in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 381

Redlands Planning Commission meeting, with commissioners seated at a council dais as a presenter discusses proposed development plans. Maps, architectural renderings, American and California flags, and a City of Redlands emblem appear in the background while community members observe the proceedings.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Amanda Spencer, Contributing Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 453

Image depicting visitors entering the Museum of Redlands beneath a banner announcing its October 24 opening. The historic-style building features cream-colored columns, vintage photographs, landscaped gardens, and mountains in the background, symbolizing 26 years of community efforts to preserve Redlands history

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 561

A resident and a volunteer wearing a reflective safety vest place an old wooden cabinet into a large blue disposal container. Other volunteers and residents unload household items from vehicles at an outdoor collection site, with mountains in the background

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 437

Outdoor internet access can help residents complete schoolwork, search for employment and stay connected while enjoying Moreno Valley's public spaces.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 484

An older man practices walking between parallel bars while a female physical therapist in navy-blue scrubs provides support in a bright rehabilitation center. Exercise equipment and other patients are visible in the background.

--> -->