Poway Teacher of the Year Honored with SDSU Grant

A 2025 Poway District Teacher of the Year was recently honored with a $1,000 “Big Day for Teachers” grant from San Diego State University (SDSU). Poway High School’s Carissa Jones-Fletcher was surprised with the recognition for her exceptional work inspiring the next generation of students.

A physical education teacher, Jones-Fletcher is known for cultivating a positive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels empowered to grow.

Through group activities and a focus on risk-taking, she encourages her students to support one another and strive for personal excellence. She played a pivotal role in launching Poway High School’s first Unified Sports PE class, which brings together students with and without disabilities to compete as one team, fostering empathy, teamwork, and belonging.

Beyond the classroom, Jones-Fletcher serves as the head women’s basketball coach, Black Student Union advisor, physical education department chair, and a volunteer coach for the Poway Youth Basketball League, demonstrating her deep commitment to student growth and community engagement.

“SDSU believes that educators are the true champions of our communities. As part of Big Day for Teachers, we’re proud to join the College Football Playoff Foundation in celebrating the incredible impact of teachers like Carissa. We’re thrilled to go the extra yard to honor her commitment,” said Lisa Bynum, senior associate athletic director of marketing and new media at San Diego State University.

SDSU partnered with the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation to recognize and uplift educators through the Extra Yard for Teachers program. It includes a teacher appreciation night at an upcoming football game where every district teacher of the year will receive $100 toward their classroom. The five county teachers of the year will receive a grant of $1,000.

Jones-Fletcher is one of 49 teachers selected by their districts for the opportunity to submit their application for the county teacher of the year recognition. The five county teachers of the year were announced in May. The California state teachers of the year will be chosen in October.

“The County Office of Education supports the teacher of the year program to highlight the incredible work of our region’s educators and their lasting impact from their classroom to the community,” said San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza.

For more information about San Diego County’s Teachers of the Year, visit SDCOE’s website.