Staff

Steve Benson (Teacher)

I was born and lived in Chicago for over 25 years. I went to University of Illinois and completed one year of graduate school in philosophy before enrolling in law school. Life had other ideas and I ended up in Oakland, Ca. where I was a K/1 teacher and had an antique/second-hand business.

I traveled throughout Europe and Israel. I ended up in Seattle where I worked in construction. I went to New York to study at a rabbinical yeshiva and moved to Los Angeles where I had family as well as more options to continue my studies.

I always enjoyed working with kids. I spent 3 years working in a residential treatment center, 2 private elementary schools, and various summer camps. I received my multiple-subject credential from Cal-State Northridge and became an elementary teacher with Cornejo Valley Unified. Later on, I started working at the Adult Education School in Santa Paula.

One of my adventures involved hiking down the coast of California. I started in San Francisco and hiked along Highway One. The best part was walking from Carmel through Big Sur to Pismo Beach. It was one of the most memorable trips in my life.

Annette Halpern (Teacher)

Email:

I earned my bachelors degree and my teaching credential at U.C.L.A. I taught in both the Los Angeles and the Santa Paula public schools for many years. Currently as an adult school instructor I teach Citizenship and E.S.L. Level 4. In my spare time I enjoy reading and playing the violin in a local band, Pint o’ Irish.

Miguel Magana (Teacher)

Email: mimagana@santapaulausd.org

I have lived in Southern California my whole life and I love the weather in Oxnard I would not trade it for anything. I studied at the University of Southern California where I got a bachelor’s in Spanish and English, and I got my master’s at Antioch University. I’m starting my fifth year of teaching in Santa Paula. I teach ESL, Computer Literacy and Hi-SET (High School Equivalency). I like to go hiking with my dogs whenever I can. I love learning and teaching language. I enjoy reading and I’m currently trying my best to learn Korean.

Yo he vivido en el sur de California toda mi vida I amo el clima de Oxnard y no lo cambiaria por nada. Yo estudié en la Universidad del Sur de California (USC) donde recibí mi bachillerato en las materias de inglés y español, y recibí mi maestría en la Universidad de Antioch. Estoy empezando mi quinto año dando clases en Santa Paula. Doy clases de inglés, computación básica, y Hi-SET (equivalencia a High School). Me gusta ir de paseo en montaña con mis perros cuando tengo oportunidad. Me gusta aprender y ensenar lenguaje. Disfruto leer, y estoy tratando de aprender coreano.

susanne Catalano (Office Assistant)

Email: sucatalano@santapaulausd.org