Mission Statement
The Ventura County Educators' Hall of Fame selects individuals to be honored for their outstanding contributions to the field of education in the County of Ventura.
Our Story
The Ventura County Educators' Hall of Fame (VCEH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that honors exemplary educators, encourages excellence in teaching, and helps preserve the rich heritage of the profession. It was founded in 2005 by Darrin Parrent to give back to the teachers, administrators, and school staff who had made a difference in his life.
Each year we induct a new class at a recognition ceremony celebrating a small group of the county's most outstanding educators. The first induction of five teachers was held in October 2007. Over 50 teachers have been inducted, representing retired classroom teachers, administrators, and classified personnel. The celebration also honors the Teacher of the Year and awards a scholarship to a credential-program candidate or student teacher.
Hall of Fame inductees receive the following awards each year:
- A plaque bearing their name and a brief description of the Hall of Fame's mission.
- A signet VCEH class ring presented by Jostens.
- Photo and mini bio posted on the VCEH website.
To be eligible for induction, a person must meet the following criteria:
- Be retired from the field of education, including any interim positions.*
- Have served as an educator in Ventura County for a minimum of ten (10) years.
Posthumous nominations are accepted. In our 3-year history, six individuals have been inducted on a posthumous basis.
We are not affiliated with any governmental entity or school district. We exist as a privately funded, privately governed, independent nonprofit organization. *Substitute teaching is considered retired; those who teach on a substitute basis are eligible for induction.
Our History
In August 2005, Darrin Parrent set out to create an organization that would honor elite educators. He presented the vision to a number of prominent educators, including Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Chuck Weis, who was very supportive and offered his assistance in launching the organization.
A committee of 15 educational and civic leaders, both past and present, was formed. Between January and March 2006, these leaders met and gave input on how the Hall of Fame should be established, organized, and directed. During this period the officers were put in place and a board was formed.
The inaugural induction dinner was held on October 6, 2007. Ten educators were inducted, and over 350 people attended—showing that Ventura County would support a Hall of Fame for educators.
The following year, on October 4, 2008, eight more inductees were honored at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
On June 17, 2011, the third annual induction dinner was held for the Class of 2010, honored in June 2011 to allow time to finalize selections, announce the class to the Ventura County Star, and prepare for the ceremony.