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Teachers

Geoff Kida

Social Studies & PE Teacher

Currently, Mr. Kida teaches two sections of U.S. History, and one section of: American Government, Economics, World History and PE. He has been teaching high school in Santa Paula, both at SPHS and RHS, for 14 years. He is passionate about teaching, and truly enjoys working in a continuation school environment.

In his spare time, Mr. Kida enjoys spending time with his wife, Sara, and their three children: Parker, Summer and Tallulah. He is an avid hiker, surfer, tennis player, and golfer. While studying at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, Mr. Kida earned a Minor in Music, and continues to perform, and play various instruments.

Education:

  • Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, B.A. History, 2003. Minor in Music—Piano Performance

  • Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, California Teaching Credential, Social Sciences (2005) & English (2010)

  • California State University Northridge, M.A. History, 2011. Areas of Focus: Modern U.S. History, Environmental History  

     

Favorite Quote:

"Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country."

- John F. Kennedy

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Gabrielle Geraldizo

English Teacher

This is my second year at Renaissance High, and my second year of teaching! I am very excited to continue working at this wonderful small school and continue growing as an educator. I currently teach two sections of ERWC (English 12), two sections of ELA 11, and one section of ELA 10 and ELA 9. 

I am originally from Napa, which is about an hour north of San Francisco. My husband and I moved to Ventura County in 2018 after I finished my degrees and have enjoyed our decision ever since. In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing video games, watching Netflix, and petting our new cat.

Education:

  • B.A. English Creative Writing, Humboldt State University, 2017.
  • Single Subject Credential: English w/ BCLAD Authorization, 2018.
  • M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, University of San Diego, 2018.

Favorite Quote:

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

- Arthur Ashe

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Melinda shattuck

Math Teacher

This will be my first year teaching here at Renaissance High School. I will be teaching Math 1, Math 2, and Financial Math this year. I completed my teaching credential at Cal Poly SLO in June of 2022 after teaching Geometry and Stats at a high school in Santa Maria. Over the summer, I was also an instructor for the Summer Algebra Institute in Santa Maria where I worked with a class of 7th grade students working to improve their math skills and develop a growth mindset. 

I am originally from San Jose, California. My husband and I just celebrated our first wedding anniversary in August. My husband is a middle school science teacher in Camarillo. We have a 6-year-old chocolate lab named Sebastian. When I am not at school I love to craft, bake, and play video games. 

Education:

  • Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, B.S. Physics, 2020

  • Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Single Subject Teaching Credential, Mathematics w/ English Learner Authorization, 2022

Favorite Quote:

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Jaime Lapper

    English & Social Science 

Ms. Lapper is our newest teacher at Renaissance. She teaches English, World History, Economics, Criminal Justice, and Psychology. While she may be new to Renaissance, she is not new to teaching. She taught Language Arts for four years in Ventura County middle schools and for the last two years she taught English as a foreign language in Israel! Ms. Lapper loves to travel around the world, watch classic movies, and she is an avid runner. She has run many races in Israel and here in California and she just recently completed the L.A. marathon! When asked about her experience teaching at Renaissance, Ms. Lapper said, "This is my seventh year of teaching, and by far the best one yet. Renaissance students are compassionate, driven, and they make me laugh every day.  And the staff here are always so supportive of myself, our students, and the community."

Education: 

  •  CSU Channel Islands,  B.A.  History  Teaching Credentials in Social Studies and Language Arts
  •  Grand Canyon University,  M.A.  Curriculum and Instruction 

Favorite Quote: 

"The saddest thing in life is wasted talent."

-A Bronx Tale

 

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crystal juarez

Math Teacher

I have worked at Renaissance High School since 2022. I currently teach two periods of Biology, two of Global Science, and one period of Health. 

I have lived in Ventura County almost my entire life and am happy to work so close to home. My spare time is spent with my 7-year-old and husband relaxing at home or visiting our families.

Education:

  • California State University Channel Islands, B.A. Chemistry, 2017

  • California State University, Single Subject Teaching Credential, Science: Chemistry w/ BCLAD Authorization, 2019

  • Grand Canyon University, M.A. Curriculum & Instruction, 2022

Favorite Quote:

“Just because you fail once, it doesn't mean you're going to fail at everything. keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself because if you don't, then who will?”

- Marilyn Monroe

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