06/01/2026
The Simi Valley Education Foundation is proud to announce the June Teacher of the Month (TOTM) – Leslie Brooks from Garden Grove Elementary School.
Leslie Brooks teaches a grade 2/3 class at Garden Grove Elementary. Her dedication to student growth is evident in the way she thoughtfully differentiates her instruction to meet individual needs. She is committed to creating a fun and engaging learning experience and brings learning to life in her classroom, designing lessons that are interactive, creative, and meaningful. Leslie’s approach fosters a classroom environment where curiosity is sparked, confidence is built, and every student feels valued and successful.
The Teacher of the Month Program highlights educators across the Simi Valley Unified School District who demonstrate outstanding performance and make meaningful contributions to their students and schools.
Each month, honorees are celebrated with tokens of appreciation from generous community partners, including Chick-fil-A, Grand Canyon University, Harley’s Bowl, Iverson Construction, Logix Federal Credit Union, Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, Simi Valley YMCA, Eric Little with State Farm Insurance, Ventura County Credit Union, and the Walt Fuller Foundation. Local dignitaries also present personalized certificates of recognition, reinforcing the strong bond between schools and the broader community.
“Together, we send a clear message that the business community supports and values the dedication of our teachers,” said Ryan Fowler, Board President of the Simi Valley Education Foundation.
Since its founding in 1989, the Simi Valley Education Foundation has invested more than $2.5 million into Simi Valley public schools through innovative classroom grants, school-wide projects, department enhancements, and scholarships for graduating seniors.
For more information about the Teacher of the Month program, please contact Cindy Jacoby at (877) SIMI-KID or visit svef.org.
PHOTO CAPTION:
Pictured from the left at Garden Grove Elementary are: Anthony Avila, representing Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin; Kate Vega, representing Congresswoman Julia Brownley; Maya Goehner from Senator Henry Stern’s office; Eric Elizondo, Logix Federal Credit Union; Shere Grant, Grand Canyon University; Mike Kort, representing Supervisor Janice Parvin; Joseph Ayala, Simi Valley Councilmember and SVEF Board Member; Nicole Perryman, Principal; Leslie Brooks; Elaine Litster, TOTM Chair and Simi Valley City Councilmember; Ryan Fowler, SVEF Board President; Eric Little, State Farm Insurance; Tarja Little, SVEF Board Member; Jenny Fuller, SVEF Board Member; and Jamie Snodgrass, SVUSD Assistant Superintendent of Instruction & Pupil Services.
