Grossmont Math Educator Named State Teacher of the Year

Two teachers named in the top 10 finalists at the state level

Honored as one of five California teachers of the year, Kristen LoPrell is a high school mathematics and AP calculus teacher at Grossmont High School in the Grossmont Union High School District. Students often come to LoPrell dreading math class and leave with a new appreciation for the subject, confidence in their own abilities, and a sense of belonging.

“This is the honor of my career,” LoPrell said. “Teaching mathematics is pure joy for me. My students make my days brighter and helping them realize they can do math is my favorite.”

Grossmont Union High School District Superintendent Mike Fowler praised LoPrell for helping countless students discover the beauty of mathematics.

“She is an outstanding educator whose dedication to ensuring every student has a path to success is demonstrated by her fierce commitment to improving instructional practices and by the many students who have testified to the positive influence she has had on their lives,” Fowler said.

The state also named six finalists for teacher of the year, including Mackenzie Levine, a 3rd- to 5th-grade mild to moderate special education teacher at Perry Elementary School in the San Diego Unified School District.

“Our students and our region are so lucky to have these stellar educators in our classrooms, ensuring belongingness and inclusivity so our young people can truly thrive in school and in life,” said Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, San Diego County superintendent of schools. “Without a sense of safety, of feeling like they can be their authentic selves and still be accepted and loved, our students can’t be brave in their learning and growth. This is what these two educators excel at and what we can all learn from.”

The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) coordinates the nomination and application process for the state program. This year, all the district nominees were celebrated with an August event presented by Cox Communications in partnership with SDCOE and sponsored by the San Diego County Credit Union. The California Department of Education selection committees review applications; evaluate teachers’ rapport with students, classroom environments, presentation skills, and teaching techniques; and interview the teachers to select the finalists. 

About Kristen LoPrell

Students often come to LoPrell dreading their math class and leave with a new appreciation for the subject. In her classroom, the desks face each other so students can work together to solve problems in teams that are randomly selected each day. 

“I firmly believe that it is our job as math educators to create classrooms filled with joy where student
thinking is celebrated equal to the teachers,” she explained.

LoPrell supports the Gender and Sexuality Alliance and Academic League at her school. She also serves as the freshman orientation coordinator, training older students to mentor incoming freshmen. She works to ensure that all students feel safe in her classroom so they feel comfortable taking risks in their thinking as they practice arithmetic using real-life examples. 

“This is the honor of my career,” LoPrell said. “Teaching mathematics is pure joy for me. My students make my days brighter and helping them realize they can do math is my favorite.” 

About Mackenzie Levine

Levine’s classroom is a home away from home and safe haven for her students. It’s a highly structured and organized environment that is active, led by students, and welcoming.

She collaborates with a team of education specialists and general education teachers to develop a model for students where they can move throughout the day to the environment that is most appropriate for them based on their individual needs.

“I am incredibly proud to be honored as a California Teacher of the Year finalist,” Levine said. “It has been a true privilege to experience this journey.”

Learn more about the 2025 San Diego County Teachers of the Year.