Pictured from the left at Mountain View Elementary School are: Ryan Valencia, District Director for Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin; Shere Grant from Grand Canyon University; Ryan Fowler, SVEF Board Member; Jennifer Goldman, Principal at Mountain View; Carolyn Diederich; Elaine Litster, SVEF Board Member and TOTM Chair and Simi Valley City Councilmember; Erin Taggart, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education; and Mike Kort, Field Representative for Supervisor Janice Parvin. Image credit: Simi Valley Education Foundation
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Carolyn Diederich doesn’t just teach—she leads with purpose. She helps her students grow into strong, confident learners. Each one leaves her classroom ready for the next step.
This May, the Simi Valley Education Foundation names Diederich, a Mountain View Elementary teacher, as its Teacher of the Month.
Known among peers and parents alike for her unwavering commitment, Carolyn brings a thoughtful blend of structure, support, and high expectations to her classroom. She believes deeply in her students’ potential and encourages them to meet challenges head-on. Each lesson is part of something bigger—a framework that prepares children not only academically, but personally.
Her classroom isn’t just a space for academics—it’s where students grow in confidence and character, gaining the tools they need to thrive as learners and classmates. With a focus on respect, collaboration, and self-motivation, Carolyn fosters a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. In doing so, she builds a foundation that helps students step into middle school with readiness and resilience.
The Teacher of the Month program, led by the Simi Valley Education Foundation, celebrates educators throughout the Simi Valley Unified School District who make a lasting difference in their school communities. Each month during the school year, one outstanding teacher is selected for their excellence in teaching and their dedication to student success.
Local businesses and community partners help bring this recognition to life. Each Teacher of the Month receives a selection of gift items, generously donated by organizations that believe in the power of education. These supporters include Chick-fil-A, Grand Canyon University, Harley’s Bowl, Iverson Construction, Logix Federal Credit Union, Schools Federal Credit Union, Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, Simi Valley YMCA, Eric Little with State Farm Insurance, and Ventura County Credit Union. During a special presentation, dignitaries and donors join together to personally thank each honoree and present certificates of appreciation.
This collaboration sends a strong and heartfelt message: the Simi Valley community values and supports its teachers. Educators like Carolyn Diederich are not only shaping students—they’re shaping the future.
Since its founding in 1989, the Simi Valley Education Foundation has awarded more than $2.5 million to local public schools. As an independent nonprofit, the Foundation supports innovation in classrooms, funds schoolwide projects, and offers scholarships to graduating seniors—all in service of educational excellence.
To learn more about the Teacher of the Month program, contact Cindy Jacoby at (877) SIMI-KID.
