Two CVUSD Staff Members Earn Top Honors for Supporting Gifted Learners

Congratulations to Jennifer Barber of Westlake Elementary School and Michele Lauterman of Lang Ranch Elementary School on being named We Honor Our Own (WHOO) Recipients for the 2025-2026 School Year! This honor is awarded by the Tri-County GATE Council to school site staff who have made the world better for gifted and talented students and their families.

Ms. Barber and Ms. Lauterman are two of only three teachers/staff members recognized in the San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties with this year’s recognition. The CVUSD is grateful for Ms. Barber’s and Ms. Lauterman’s support and dedication to gifted and talented education, which is a true testament to the District’s commitment and prioritization of meaningful GATE opportunities for students.

This year, Tri-County GATE Council’s WHOO awards acknowledges those who have made significant contributions from the last several years, given the challenges to the GATE community, such as lack of funding for training and services. 

Both Ms. Barber, a third grade teacher at Westlake Elementary and Ms. Lauterman, the Librarian at Lang Ranch Elementary were nominated by members of their school communities for this recognition.

Award recipients were selected by the Tri-County GATE Council Recognition Committee.

Tri‐County GATE Council is a group of educators, parents/guardians, administrators, community representatives and family members from the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo, who are dedicated to sharing best teaching practices, enriching educational opportunities, and nurturing the social and emotional well‐being of gifted and talented learners.