2025-26 San Diego County Teachers of the Year Named

Five educators were named San Diego County Teachers of the Year this week, recognizing the difference they make in the lives of students.

The winners are:

• Greg Hinchliff, Bonsall High School, Bonsall Unified School District
• Miguel Marin, Granger Jr. High School, Sweetwater Union High School District
• Corina Martinez, Pioneer Elementary School, Escondido Union School District
• Allison Schmitt, Solana Pacific Elementary, Solana Beach School District
• Kevin T. White, De Portola Middle School, San Diego Unified School District

The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) and Cox Communications collaborated to surprise the teachers in their classroom or as part of an assembly as part of the 35th annual Cox Presents: Salute to Teachers program.

SDCOE and Cox Communications celebrated all of San Diego County’s school district teachers of the year in April at a special event held before the judges selected five winners.

“All of these teachers are such shining examples of the difference that individuals can make in the lives of students and in our communities,” said Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, San Diego County superintendent of schools. “I am so inspired by these impressive and passionate educators and what they’ve accomplished.)

Footage from the surprise announcements and the event will be compiled as a 30-minute Cox Presents: Salute to Teachers television special, which will debut on Cox’s YurView network (Channel 4 on Cox and Spectrum) in September.

SDCOE and Cox Communications have collaborated on honoring local teachers for more than 30 years. SDCCU has been a sponsor for more than a decade.

“SDCCU congratulates the five San Diego County Teachers of the Year for their dedication to students and for going above and beyond in the classroom,” said Teresa Campbell, SDCCU president and CEO. “As the presenting sponsor of Salute to Teachers, we celebrate all teachers for their hard work and commitment to education and shaping the future of today’s youth.”

 

2025-26 San Diego County Teachers of the Year

Greg Hinchliff, Bonsall High School

Gregory Hinchliff is a passionate and multifaceted educator with eight years of experience teaching grades 9-12 in subjects including English, Spanish, history, debate, and Native American studies. Dedicated to creating meaningful and inclusive learning experiences, he prioritizes authentic, place-based learning that connects students to their communities and local environments. Greg’s goal is to empower his students to be confident in their unique talents, curious about the world around them, and committed to improving not only their own lives, but also the lives of others.

 

 

 

Miguel Marin, Granger Jr. High School

Miguel Marin is a 7th and 8th grade science teacher who has 18 years of experience in the classroom. He is more than an educator; he is a role model who shows students that success is possible for everyone, no matter their background. He sets high expectations not as a barrier, but as a promise that they are capable of greatness, and he matches those expectations with unwavering support.

 

 

 

 

Corina Martinez, Pioneer Elementary School

Corina Martinez is committed to fostering inclusive and empathetic learning environments. She believes in the transformative power of love, trust, and student voice, creating meaningful learning experiences that connect students to their community and the world. With a focus on social and emotional learning, environmental stewardship, and student agency, she nurtures well-rounded individuals prepared to make a positive impact. Her contributions extend beyond the classroom through collaborations with local organizations, mentorship of aspiring educators, and active roles in school leadership.

 

 

 

Allison Schmitt, Solana Pacific Elementary School

Allison Schmitt is a 5th grade teacher and San Diego native. She is passionate about inclusion, project-based learning, music, digital literacy, and the celebration of diversity. She has wanted to be a teacher her whole life. Her two professional goals are to become a teacher of the year and to be invited to a student’s wedding. The latter reflects her focus on ongoing ties with students and families. As a member of her school’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team, she strives to find ways to make each student’s learning experience one that both prepares them for the real world, and ensures their voice is heard.

 

 

 

Kevin T. White, De Portola Middle School

With a wide array of content specialization spanning primarily the social sciences and STEM over his 18 years in the classroom, Kevin T. White demonstrates mastery across a broad spectrum of K-12 disciplines. Through his resourceful funding and partnerships with Toshiba and Taylor Guitar, he has recently launched a capstone project that allows his second-year students to design and build custom electric guitars that employ advanced CAD software and digital manufacturing. As a faculty member of the Learning Design Technology master's program at San Diego State University, he also shares his vast specializations in 3D technologies.