Sixteen outstanding educators were celebrated as the 2025-26 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year during the 44th Annual Teachers of the Year Awards Banquet at the Universal Hilton Hotel. 

The Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year Program, the largest of its kind in California and the nation, is part of the oldest and most prestigious recognition program for public-school educators in the U.S. These honorees will now advance to represent L.A. County in the California Teachers of the Year competition this fall, joining other top teachers from across the state. 

“Teachers are the driving force behind student success,” said Dr. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools. “Their dedication, innovation and love of learning inspire students every day and strengthen the fabric of our communities. It is a privilege to honor these extraordinary educators for the lasting impact they make in the lives of young people.” 

Recognized as the county’s top educators for the academic year, the 16 honorees embody the very best of the profession, serving as role models for their 73,000 colleagues countywide. Each honoree received a $1,000 cash award courtesy of California Credit Union, the program’s platinum sponsor. 

The 16 honorees were selected from a competitive field of 70 district-level Teachers of the Year, representing 65 school districts across Los Angeles County. Candidates submitted essays, lesson plans and other materials, and took part in interviews with panels of former California Teachers of the Year. The process is designed to highlight excellence in teaching, celebrate innovative practices and recognize educators who make an enduring difference in their schools and communities. 

The California Department of Education will announce the five California Teachers of the Year in October, with one advancing to represent the state in the 2026 National Teacher of the Year competition. 

View the 2025-26 L.A. County Teachers of the Year video playlist here. They are listed alphabetically by district below.

Christina Kwon Loose
Alhambra Unified School District 
Martha Baldwin Elementary School — 7th Grade: English Language Arts/Social Studies 
Years Teaching: 15 
When Christina first started teaching, she did not picture herself with middle schoolers, but now she feels it is her calling. “It offers a unique opportunity to teach about navigating friendships, managing emotions and hormones, and fostering empathy.” 
Quote of Note:  A former student confides: “I can’t count how many times Mrs. Loose was there for me when I needed her. I would always go to her with any problems I didn’t understand.” 

Seth Johnson
Antelope Valley Union High School District 
Lancaster High School — 11th and 12th Grades: Civics/Economics/Dual Enrollment U.S. History/AVID IV/A.P. U.S. History 
Years Teaching: 10 
Teaching isn’t just instruction, Seth is convinced. “It’s presence. It’s about modeling patience, fairness, humility and integrity in a world that often overlooks these values. It’s about giving students curiosity and confidence, not just for tests but for life.” 
Quote of Note: A principal’s praise: “Mr. Johnson provides all students the opportunity to expand their education beyond the classroom with organized learning opportunities and college trips. Students have attended college and changed career paths due to these trips.” 

Julie Chen
Bassett Unified School District 
Edgewood Academy — 7th Grade: English Language Arts/Social Studies/Journalism 
Years Teaching: 24 
Julie, an immigrant from Taiwan, was a quiet student until a pivotal AP History experience empowered her voice. Inspired by that very teacher, she became an educator. “That’s the magic of a great teacher, who sees potential before you do and creates the space for you to grow into it. I wanted to be that teacher for someone else.” 
Quote of Note: An administrator writes: “Ms. Chen is a teacher who leaves a lasting impact, not just for a school year, but for a lifetime. She brings passion and purpose to her work every day.” 

Kara Clark
Burbank Unified School District 
John Burroughs High School — CTE Arts/Photography/Yearbook 
Years Teaching: 9 
When she started teaching, Kara’s goal was to provide her career-tech high school students with abundant opportunities in photography both on and off campus. Accomplishing those goals, she states, “has been the greatest joy of my life.” 
Quote of Note: A student shared: “You are someone that I feel safe with. For years I didn’t know what I wanted to do with myself and what I was good at. But then I took your class. Photography has become my passion and love. I have found a way to express myself. You saved my life.” 

Rene Romero
Covina-Valley Unified School District 
South Hills High School — 11th and 12th Grade: English Language Arts 
Years Teaching: 21 
Rene is emphatic in proclaiming teaching as “the greatest profession in the world, a tangible way of changing the world by creating game changers.” It also offers him a way of paying forward the inspiration of “several great teachers I was lucky to have.” 
Quote of Note: During COVID-19’s online school, one student recalls: “Mr. Romero’s classes made me feel less alone. His passion for teaching and care for his students never wavered.” 

Marylou Escobar
Glendale Unified School District 
John Muir Elementary School — Kindergarten: Spanish DLI 
Years Teaching: 38 
Marylou experiences joy in her thriving Dual Language Immersion Spanish kindergarten classroom watching her students’ skills grow day by day. “No matter what is going on in my life,” she writes, “I know my little piece of heaven is waiting for me there.” 
Quote of Note: According to an administrator, “Mrs. Escobar’s students are immersed in a rich bilingual experience and a learning space filled with love, care and high expectations.” 

Ty Kastendiek
Los Angeles County Office of Education 
Camp Glenn Rockey — 8th - 12th Grades: Math and Science 
Years Teaching: 32 
Ty began his classroom career as a substitute teacher at L.A. County’s Central Juvenile Hall. As a champion for at-promise students for the past 32 years, he’s had his students study rocketry, start small businesses and go on field trips to local colleges, beaches and museums. 
Quote of Note: From one admiring student: “Learning is serious business in Mr. Ty’s class, although he makes it fun. He’s definitely the most engaging and funniest teacher I’ve ever had.” 

Monika Heidi Duque
Los Angeles Unified School District 
Rosewood STEM Magnet, Urban Planning and Urban Design — First Grade 
Years Teaching: 24 
Monika describes her first-grade classroom as “the best kind of messy and wild,” with plenty of wondering, questioning, art and silliness along the way. She cultivates a joyful, “home away from home” learning environment, prioritizing Social Emotional Learning and deep connections within her school community. 
Quote of Note: A fellow teacher writes, “Monika’s passion for education has empowered students to find their voices and confidence while inspiring teachers across our school and district.” 

Martin Rodriguez
Los Angeles Unified School District 
Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts — Theatre 
Years Teaching: 9 
Martin Rodriguez uses theatre to nurture both artistic and emotional growth, creating inclusive spaces in and beyond the classroom. He brings his 11th-grade students to elementary schools to build leadership and empathy. Inspired by his own teacher, Martin sees theatre as a transformative tool that prepares students for life and helps shape well-rounded individuals. 
Quote of Note: Thoughtful praise from a parent: “If Mr. Rodriguez sees a student who is not confident about participating, he finds time to work with them to discover their strengths.” 

Maddie Hutchinson
Manhattan Beach Unified School District 
Mira Costa High School — English/Link Crew 
Years Teaching: 10 
After graduating from college, Maddie felt uncertain about her future until a roommate asked a powerful question: Not what do you want to achieve, but what impact do you want to leave? That question led her to teaching, where she now inspires students to engage deeply, nurturing both a love of learning and a strong sense of community. Her dedication has earned her a reputation as a trusted adult and passionate advocate. 
Quote of Note: A former student’s lucid compliment: “Whether she’s teaching mythology, Shakespeare or vocab, Ms.Hutchinson’s passion inspires her pupils to become lifelong learners.” 

Heather Povinelli
Monrovia Unified School District 
Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy — Second Grade 
Years Teaching: 22 
For Heather, every day is a great day as long as her second-graders leave feeling braver, tired from giving their best effort and excited to share their enthusiasm with loved ones. She firmly believes that every student can succeed when given what they need, even if that looks different for each child. Her approach fosters both personal growth and a strong sense of belonging. 
Quote of Note: An administrator writes: “When a devastating fire forced her to relocate her classroom, with grace and determination, Dr. Povinelli established a welcoming new space where students continued to thrive.” 

María Lugo-Valladares
Palmdale School District 
Barrel Springs Elementary School — Fifth Grade 
Years Teaching: 18 
Maria believes in the truism that education is the great equalizer. She doesn’t focus on her fifth graders’ ZIP codes, backgrounds or status, only on reminding them daily of their worth and opening doors to a bright future. As the daughter of immigrant parents, she empowers students to become independent learners in a safe, respectful and collaborative environment. 
Quote of Note: A former student writes, “Mrs. Lugo not only makes learning fun and exciting in many different ways but also makes me feel confident, like I am seen and have a voice.” 

Nicole Bottomley
Paramount Unified School District 
Odyssey STEM Academy — 11th Grade: Biochemistry 
Years Teaching: 11 
Nicole Bottomley’s path to education began with a childhood passion for science, sparked by a desire to cure cancer after losing a loved one. At her STEM high school, students are called “scholars,” and it’s not uncommon to hear a cheerful “Hi, Nicole” or even “Hey, Nikki” from her biochem students as she walks by. Her goal is to ensure every scholar feels empowered and cared for in her classroom. 
Quote of Note: A colleague notes, “With over a decade of experience in both biotechnology and education, Nicole brings unmatched depth, perspective and enthusiasm to her work.” 

Emily Smith
South Pasadena Unified School District 
Arroyo Vista Elementary School — First Grade 
Years Teaching: 18 
Emily believes every student deserves to feel seen, heard, valued and empowered, “especially the ones who stretch your patience and make you question your choice in career.” The focus of her morning meetings is on building community, practicing empathy and embodying radical hope. 
Quote of Note: Heartfelt words from a parent: “Mrs. Smith embraces each child, not as a challenge to overcome but as a learner to honor. Inclusion isn’t a checkbox but a way of being!” 

Lacey Scanlan
Temple City Unified School District 
Emperor Elementary School — Visual and Performing Arts 
Years Teaching: 9 
For Lacey, the first day of any performing arts class, whether kindergarten or sixth grade, starts with the same message. Students sit together and promise: “We will be kind, so you can be brave and we can all have fun.” As an itinerant theater and dance teacher, she creates a safe, joyful space where students build confidence and discover their unique voices. 
Quote of Note: A parent expresses gratitude: “Mrs. Scanlan has played an especially great role in our daughter’s passion for the performing arts. We are excited to see what the future holds.” 

Nicholas Patey
William S. Hart Union High School District 
Golden Valley High School — Algebra 1/AP Calculus AB 
Years Teaching: 19 
Nick uses math to help students become resilient problem-solvers and critical thinkers. In his classroom, mistakes are part of the process, and effort is celebrated over perfection. His most meaningful moments come from students who once struggled but now pass Algebra 1, discover a love for math or proudly say, “I didn’t think I could do this, but now I know I can.” 
Quote of Note: An administrator notes: “In Nick Patey’s math classes, students aren’t afraid to speak up when they’re a little, or a lot, stuck. This is because they know they won’t stay that way.”