Las Plumas High School
Oroville, CA
Mrs. Scofield attends district meetings on her own time to ensure grants and funding is being spent on students or equipment for students. She has secured a laser cutter, printers, laptops, design software and materials to provide students with the most recent creative platforms and procedures for new artists and art disciplines. She opens her classroom up for students EVERY LUNCH period. Most teachers lock themselves away for 45 minutes to let down their guard. Mrs. Scofield provides an inclusive, and safe space, for her students (and their friends) to meet and create art. Many times other teachers have walked into her classroom at lunch and asked “which club is this” to-which she responds “no club, just lunch.” Mrs. Scofield has developed an art-2 and Art-3 program for her more gifted students. Ensuring she is able to impart important, meaningful and lasting knowledge regarding art and its influence on our culture and mental health. When Mrs. Scofield heard one of her students was nominated for a federal award, and that the school was not providing transportation or accommodations for this student; she personally designed a crowd-source “go-fund-me” page to provide a way for this student to attend, and who ultimately won the competition. The student’s art is currently hanging in the federal building on display.
Mrs. Scofield’s dedication extends far beyond her students; she is an invaluable asset to her peers and school administrators alike. Her collaborative spirit and proactive approach consistently contribute to a more positive and efficient school environment. For years, she has informally served as a go-to resource for other art teachers within the district. Administrators frequently seek her input on curriculum development and the integration of arts across different subjects, recognizing her deep understanding of pedagogical best practices and her ability to inspire creative thinking in all disciplines. Her commitment to the well-being of her colleagues and the smooth functioning of the school was recently recognized in a significant way: Mrs. Scofield was overwhelmingly voted by the entire staff to be the liaison between the Teachers’ Union and the district offices. This crucial role speaks volumes about the trust and respect her peers hold for her. They recognize her fairness, her strong communication skills, and her unwavering advocacy for teachers’ needs and concerns. In this capacity, she dedicates considerable time to understanding the intricacies of union contracts, attending meetings with district representatives, and effectively articulating the perspectives of her colleagues. She approaches this responsibility with diligence and a genuine desire to foster open and productive dialogue between the staff and the administration, aiming for solutions that benefit everyone.
Mrs. Scofield’s impact on her school community is profound, particularly given the challenges she faces daily. Teaching in an under-resourced area of Butte County—where the youth suicide rate is 58% higher than the state average—she meets these challenges with resilience, compassion, and innovation. She consistently adapts to difficult circumstances and implements creative solutions that directly benefit her students. She routinely teaches art classes with over 38 students—numbers that would overwhelm most educators in such a hands-on subject. Yet, she fosters an environment where every student feels seen and supported. Through rotating stations, small-group instruction, and peer mentorship, she manages to provide individualized attention, demonstrating exceptional organizational skills and a deep belief in each student’s potential. Mrs. Scofield’s classroom also welcomes many students who struggle in other subjects. Far from seeing this as a burden, she embraces it as an opportunity to connect and inspire. She modifies assignments to meet students’ unique needs and celebrates their progress, often helping disengaged learners rediscover a sense of purpose and confidence through art. Her commitment extends to students with moderate to severe special needs. She collaborates with special education staff to adapt lessons using visual aids, assistive technology, and hands-on activities. Her inclusive classroom culture ensures every student feels respected and valued—many of whom call her their favorite teacher.