In celebration of National Teacher Appreciation Day on Tuesday, May 5, the Riverside County Office of
Education (RCOE) is premiering four videos highlighting the extraordinary work of the Riverside County
Teachers of the Year. Desert Sands Unified School District is proud of the accomplishments of two of
these county teachers of the year, Indio High School’s Thomas Buck, and Palm Desert Charter Middle
School’s Jodi Fecera. Videos about the two premiered on Tuesday, April 21.
“Like many of our teachers in Riverside County, these outstanding educators use their own personal
experience to inspire students to succeed. These are veteran teachers who build connections beyond the
curriculum to reach the students, families, and communities to change the lives of our students for the
better,” said Dr. Judy D. White, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools. “Great teaching should be
celebrated any time—whether it’s done remotely, on Zoom, or in the classroom.”
Jodi Fecera is a family and consumer sciences teacher at Palm Desert Charter Middle School, Desert
Sands Unified School District. Students in Ms. Fecera’s class learn practical lessons that they will use
both in and out of the kitchen for the rest of their lives. Experiencing new challenges, exploring their
creative potential, and collaborating as a team, are just a few of the lessons that are cooked up for her
middle school students every day. Prior to her current teaching assignment, Ms. Fecera has also taught
Life Skills, French, Renaissance Leadership, Foundations in Personal Finance, English 3-D, Study Skills,
Read 180, Corrective Reading, and Reading. She never hesitates to teach a course based on what students
need. Link to video
Tom Buck, a digital media career and technical education teacher at Indio High School, Desert Sands
Unified School District, is the career and technical education teacher for IMPACT—the Institute of
Media Production Arts and Creative Technology. Mr. Buck began his educational career as an English
teacher, but shifted to helping students develop skills in filmmaking, graphic design, audio production,
broadcast, animation, and leadership in preparation for postsecondary education and careers in the arts,
media, and entertainment industry sector. IMPACT serves more than 200 students each year with the
focus on teaching digital literacy. Student-led productions continue to receive local, state, and national
recognitions year after year. Link to video
On National Teacher Appreciation Day, Tuesday, May 5, Dr. White will share a special video message
honoring teachers along with video clips submitted by the public. RCOE will be gathering submissions
through social media. Videos will be shared through social media including Facebook, Twitter, and
YouTube as well as posted to RCOE’s website. A special video recognizing the teachers of Desert Sands
Unified School District with an introduction by Superintendent Scott Bailey will also be shared.
The Riverside County Teachers of the Year are selected from nearly 20,000 educators in the county. The
rigorous application process requires candidates to spend time reflecting on, and carefully defining, their teaching philosophy. The county teachers of the year are selected by a diverse committee of educational
professionals and community members.