(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — In a world full of routines and testing, Erik Kalberg keeps his classroom anything but ordinary. For more than 26 years, he’s been turning lessons into stories his 4th and 5th graders never forget—mixing energy, creativity and purpose into everything he teaches. That’s why the Simi Valley Education Foundation named him November’s Teacher of the Month.
Kalberg doesn’t just teach—he connects. He pushes students to think deeply, believe in themselves and stay curious about the world around them.
That mindset fits perfectly at Park View Elementary, where students are expected to learn, grow and take pride in who they are. According to the school’s website, “students learn and thrive, staff collaborates to improve student achievement, and parents are encouraged to participate in their child’s educational experience.”
Park View is a California Gold Ribbon School and a Title 1 campus that believes every student can succeed. Staff work together to raise achievement, parents are invited to be part of the journey, and intervention specialists give extra support when it’s needed. It’s one of just two SVUSD elementary schools with a uniform policy, helping build a focused and respectful environment. Art enrichment, high expectations and a strong sense of community make Park View a place where learning sticks.
The Teacher of the Month Program honors educators across the Simi Valley Unified School District who go above and beyond. Kalberg’s recognition includes gifts from local sponsors and certificates from city and state leaders, all showing just how much this community values its teachers.
Since 1989, the Simi Valley Education Foundation has invested over $2.5 million into local public schools—supporting classroom innovation, schoolwide projects and scholarships. Kalberg’s award is a proud part of that tradition.
