4th Grade *

Melissa Tobey, 4th Grade

Hi! My name is Melissa Tobey, and I teach 4th grade here at Sycamore Elementary. I received both my Bachelor's degree and Master's degree from California Lutheran University, and completed their teaching credential program. I was born and raised in Moorpark. In my spare time, I love to sing, read, write, and spend time with friends and family. 

Rebekah Todd, 4th/5th Grade

This is Ms. Todd's third year teaching at Sycamore Elementary and her 17th year in the field of education. With a diverse background, she has experience teaching at the elementary and middle school levels, as well as providing intervention support to students in need.

Ms. Todd is proud to be a product of the SVUSD school system, having grown up in the community and graduating as a member of the SVHS Class of '99. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and obtained her teaching credential through California Lutheran University (CLU). Currently, Ms. Todd is furthering her education by working towards a Master's Degree.

In her free time, Ms. Todd loves to spend quality moments with her husband and their three children. She is passionate about teaching and believes in her motto: "Teach like your students' lives depend on it!" Ms. Todd is dedicated to fostering a positive and engaging learning environment for all her students.

Jennifer Waer, 4th/5th Grades (SDC) 

jennifer.waer@simivalleyusd.org

I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley with my younger brother, Patrick. Most people assume that I became interested in special education because he has Down syndrome, but even before he was born, when I was nine, I knew this was what I wanted to do. I got my undergraduate degree at California Lutheran University and my teaching credential at California State University-Northridge, during which time I worked as a para-professional at the fully inclusive CHIME Charter Elementary School. I completed my student teaching at Santa Susana High School in the spring of 2003 and started working at Sycamore Elementary School the following fall. I've taught here ever since.

In my spare time, I enjoy writing and photography. I'm also interested in the history of World War II, the development of different languages and accents, and I am a lifelong "Star Trek" fan. I love teaching my students because every year is different and presents new and exciting challenges and things to learn. I believe my job is to meet each student exactly where they are and move them as far forward as our combined efforts can get them.