THERE'S NO QUESTIONING PIERCE TEACHER'S DEDICATION.

Byline: Tracy Zaborac Community Columnist

Who's who lists are famous for listing those people who are so important that they don't have time for you.

Not so for this woman.

Kathy Daruty is a marketing, management and philosophy instructor at Los Angeles Pierce College in Woodland Hills and has been named in the Who's Who in Finance and Business directory.

``I think it's wonderful that educators are included in the directory along with industry professionals,'' said Daruty, who has been on the Pierce faculty since 1979.

The directory will include Daruty's biography and will be published in August 1999 by New Jersey-based Marquis Who's Who in America.

And if that's considered a big deal, then being in the Who's Who Among American Teachers directory is an even bigger accomplishment. She was listed in that directory in 1996 for making a significant and lasting impact on the lives of her students.

What has Daruty done to become a who's who? Well, let's start with her 500-page study guide which accompanies the textbook ``Contemporary Business,'' published by Harcourt. The popular textbook and study guide, ``Management Leadership in Action'' (Harper-Collins), are in their ninth editions.

``Study guides are crucial for students who need to improve their academic skills and also for those whose native language is other than English,'' Daruty said. Anyone who makes college textbooks easier to understand is OK by me.

She has spent much of her professional life helping students. The professor also served a four-year term on the board of trustees of Alpha Gamma Sigma, an honor society for California community college students.

The Valley Industry and Commerce Association will host a forum on education from noon to 2 p.m. Friday at the Pierce College Conference Center.

Discussion will revolve around whether or not fundamental restructuring of the Los Angeles Unified School District will produce improvements in K-12 education.

Panelists at the education forum will address issues pertaining to current reform initiatives, potential LAUSD changes, the Finally Restructuring Excellence in Education Initiative, charter and cluster schools, and the future labor pool.

Included on the panel will be David Tokofsky, LAUSD board member.

The meeting and luncheon is open to the public and costs $25 per person. Register by calling [phone].

VICA was founded in 1949 with the objective of encouraging economic vitality and growth in the San Fernando Valley.

You know summer is drawing to a close because it's time for the Winnetka Oktoberfest 1998.

The fun will start Thursday and continue through Sunday at the Canoga Bowl Parking Lot, 20122 Vanowen St.

There will be carnival rides, games, food and crafts. Musical entertainers will include the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra and the Valleyaires Barbershop Chorus.

Admission is free.

For information, call [phone].

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PHOTO Pierce College teacher Kathy Daruty has been named to the Who's Who in Finance and Business.

Michael Owen Baker/Daily News