Richard Bateman spends countless hours attending every possible school-sanctioned event that involves Newbury Park High School students to capture the special moments of their educational journeys through his gift of photography. He is a veteran in the classroom with more than 25 years of teaching in the CVUSD with roles spanning elementary, middle and high school. He currently serves as a digital photo and computer graphics teacher at Newbury Park High where he contributes to the community and culture of NPHS in a positive way, enthusiastically involving students and staff alike in his endeavors, teaching new skills wherever he goes. The CVUSD and the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce are proud to honor Mr. Bateman as the April 2024 Teacher of the Month!
Mr. Bateman makes his curriculum accessible and fun, providing projects that enrich students’ learning. His enthusiasm and optimism is infectious, inspiring, and uplifting. This includes his ability to motivate students and staff through his interactions with them, and taking an interest in their activities. For example, this teacher of the month dressed up formally (tuxedo jacket, wing-tipped shoes, bow tie, and kilt) to attend and take photos of a formal prom sponsored by the NPHS National Honor Society for students with disabilities.
Mr. Bateman is known for his passion, professionalism, empathy and dedication. His dedication to this craft knows no bounds, and he recently purchased underwater housing for his camera, so he could capture the best photos possible of the water polo and swim teams.
He generously shares his craft with the district, students, parents/guardians, coaches and with booster clubs who benefit from his expert photo archiving of NPHS events.
At the Friday, April 12th, Newbury Park High School staff meeting, Mr. Bateman was surprised with the April 2024 Teacher of the Month recognition. He was presented with a commemorative plaque from the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce to honor her special recognition, along with a teacher grant from the Conejo Schools Foundation. Congratulations Mr. Bateman on this well-deserved honor - thank you for the immeasurable positive impact you make in the Newbury Park High community, each and every day!
