County Teachers Recognized as Classroom Heroes

San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU), one of San Diego’s largest locally-owned financial institutions, has proudly honored teachers in San Diego County for over 11 years through its Classroom Heroes program. In 2024, SDCCU enhanced the program by partnering with CBS 8 to highlight the accomplishments of Classroom Heroes and added a grand prize – a five day, four night luxury staycation at Kona Kai Resort in San Diego for one of the eight honorees.

At a special grand prize selection event hosted at the SDCCU Live Studio at iHeartRadio San Diego on June 12, the eight 2025-26 SDCCU Classroom Heroes honorees gathered in celebration as they eagerly waited to find out who won the luxury staycation. Each teacher had the opportunity to randomly select a box, with one containing the Kona Kai Resort grand prize. Courtnee Stagner of Kavod Charter School selected the winning box and was awarded the prize.

“SDCCU has been proud to honor local Classroom Heroes for over a decade, and we are excited to continue the tradition by once again offering this generous grand prize to give one lucky teacher an incredible opportunity to relax and recharge after the school year,” said SDCCU President and CEO Teresa Campbell. “Congratulations to Courtnee Stagner of Kavod Charter School for winning this incredible Kona Kai Resort staycation package, and thank you so much for the incredible work you do to shape the futures of the youth in our community.”

The San Diego County Office of Education was represented at the announcement and thanked SDCCU for recognizing and celebrating our region's dedicated and passionate educators. 

"We know teachers don't stop caring when the bell rings — there are countless sleepless nights, early mornings, and every moment in between where they take that extra step to make sure every child in their classroom feels loved and welcomed," said San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza. "SDCOE is proud to partner with SDCCU on several programs that honor the hard work of educators and support our students."

From September 2025 through May 2026, SDCCU honored local San Diego County teachers as “SDCCU Classroom Heroes,” provided them with a $500 Visa gift card, Classroom Hero award, and featured their accomplishments on CBS 8 and The CW. The SDCCU Classroom Heroes program will resume in September when its newest honoree is selected.

Teachers, students, parents, and the community can learn more about this year's Classroom Heroes and nominate deserving teachers at sdccu.com/classroomheroes.