Trishaa Camp named Teacher of the Year
Trishaa Camp from Scripps Ranch High School was named among three of San Diego Unified School District’s (SDUSD) 2023 Teachers of the Year. Julie Rick from Marshall Middle School was named one of this year’s runners-up.
In observance of National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8-12, these six educators will be honored at the Day of the Teacher celebration on Tuesday, May 9, at 5 p.m. during a ceremony hosted by FOX 5’s Elizabeth Alvarez.
Trishaa Camp
My name is Trishaa Lynette Camp, and I am a proud mother of five children; Jacquelyne, Joshua, Della, Tevin, and Tessandra.
As a classically trained ballet dancer, my skill set enables me to express my passion for creativity through choreography. I am a dance teacher at Scripps Ranch High School, the Associated Student Body advisor, and the cheer coach of three teams: varsity, junior varsity and freshman squads. I am the director of the SRHS Dance Company. In addition to dance, I teach math every summer at different schools to broaden my reach and impact to as many students as possible. Outside of my teaching duties, I advise two clubs, and I am an active participant on many committees for Scripps Ranch High School. I’ve been at Scripps Ranch for nine out of my 22 years in teaching. I am known to my students as “Momma Camp,” which couldn’t make me any prouder.
I have been in education since 1996. Early in my career, I began my path toward education as a visiting artist and dance consultant for my alma mater Mar Vista High School in the Sweetwater Union High School District. I received my first opportunity to teach and develop my own program at Eastlake High School in 2001. From there, I continued my pursuit of higher education. I received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and subsequently earned two master’s degrees: one in education best practices for the classroom and the other in administration of education.
I strongly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue their passions. In an effort to increase those opportunities, I serve as an executive of a non-profit organization, the Miss San Diego Scholarship Association, which provides scholarships to young women pursuing higher education.
In my free time, I love to travel, garden and sing karaoke.
Here are a few fun facts about me: I was a San Diego Chargers girl from 1996 to 1998 and was the NFL’s first cheerleader with children! I’m in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest kick line and featured in a 2022 Netflix series with my former student Tyler Henry.
Julie Rick
I may not be a native of San Diego, but my 51 years in the area make me feel like one. Growing up in Poway, I loved being outdoors, riding through the hills, finding tadpoles in the creeks and making sure I was home before the streetlights illuminated. I graduated from San Diego State with a bachelor of science degree in business-marketing, and it is also where I met my husband of 37 years, who happens to work across the hallway at Marshall Middle School.
As my children entered elementary school, I found myself rejoining the workforce and looking toward teaching. I have always enjoyed the school atmosphere and volunteering in my children’s classes. I enrolled in the Alliant University Teaching Credential program and was able to student teach at Dingeman Elementary, where my young daughters attended. Upon completing my student teaching, I completed a long-term substitute assignment and later was fortunate to earn a teaching position at Dingeman Elementary in kindergarten. Then, later I moved on to teach fourth and sixth grade. I found my calling in sixth grade and love the combination of child-like innocence, curiosity, and emerging adolescence that my students display. In 2004, Marshall Middle School became my home, where I teach sixth-grade mathematics.
My mom suffered a stroke at a young age, and caring for her taught me the lessons of compassion, empathy and respect for everyone’s individual abilities. This experience left me with my personal philosophy that everyone is capable and can grow with guidance and support. Greeting my students at the door each day ensures each child knows they are seen and cared for in my classroom. I strongly feel that if a child does not enjoy coming to class, then I have lost them before they step through the doorway. But if they feel respected, heard and seen, then I can build upon that and help a child engage in the lessons and become someone who enjoys math and feels successful. Teaching mathematics is a challenge in and of itself. Drawing in the reluctant learner is what drives me.
One of my proudest moments was watching my students win the CCTE Middle School Showcase Award for their project “To Zoo or Not to Zoo.” Using a computer program, they created zoo habitats and then presented them to a panel of professionals. I also began the Philanthropist’s Club at Marshall Middle School. The members of the club have raised thousands of dollars for charities, including sponsoring a Canine Companion and sending a WWII Veteran to Washington, D.C., with Honor Flights. Besides my teaching responsibilities, I have served as sixth grade co-chair, as a member of the SGT/SSC, Marshall’s Instructional Study Team, and selection committees. I have chaperoned numerous Eighth Grade East Coast trips.
Marshall Middle School is an amazing place to learn from and collaborate with colleagues. The success I have experienced with my students is largely due to the collaboration with my math peers and the Marshall staff. I am very proud to represent such a fine group of people.
Teacher Appreciation Week
During Teacher Appreciation Week, San Diego Unified encourages the community to honor teachers by sharing a post, image, or video of a special educator in their life. The district challenges San Diegans to thank a teacher either in person, or on social media using the hashtag #ThankATeacherSD.
“Every year in May, I am reminded of the immensely loving, caring, talented, and dedicated educators we employ within San Diego Unified. It never ceases to amaze me how fortunate we are to be the home of so many life-changing educators,” said SDUSD Superintendent Dr. Lamont Jackson.
“Teacher appreciation is a notion that may not be apparent but can be seen year-round. In the eyes of students … when they finally understand a concept, in a high-five when a student makes a 3-pointer during a basketball game, in the smile from a proud parent, and in the hug from a student who finally feels seen, heard, and a sense of belonging,” Dr. Jackson said. “Tiny moments of joy throughout the year are made possible because of our educators. Our outstanding Teachers of the Year represent these magic moments and the successes of each of our students.”
The Day of the Teacher celebration is recognized by the Board of Education every year. Board members and senior district staff, community leaders, and elected officials from the region take part in honoring the distinguished educators. The in-person ceremony will feature original student-created content performed by students from the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts and Scripps Ranch High School.
Teacher of the Year candidates go through a rigorous selection process, first being selected by the staff members at their school, then a panel including former Teachers of the Year. San Diego Unified’s teachers of the year and runners-up may advance to compete for San Diego County Teacher of the Year honors.