County Teacher of the Year
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Recognizing San Diego County teachers
Since 1974, the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) has recognized teachers from across the region for their commitment to teaching and learning. Every year, teachers representing all 42 county districts are invited to apply for San Diego County Teacher of the Year.
For the past 32 years, SDCOE has partnered with Cox Communications to recognize all San Diego County Teacher of the Year nominees at the annual Cox Presents: Salute to Teachers, sponsored by San Diego County Credit Union. The event highlights San Diego County's more than 24,000 public school teachers.
Five of the honorees will be named San Diego County Teachers of the Year at a reception on Aug. 26. These five individuals will go on to represent the region at the California Teacher of the Year program.
Cox Communications will produce a one-hour “Cox Presents: Salute to Teachers” television special to recognize local teachers, spotlight the teachers of the year, and share highlights from the reception. The show will air at 9 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2 on YurView Network (Cox Channel 4).
Congratulations to the 2021 and 2022 COUNTY Teachers of the Year
Some of the 2021 and 2022 county teachers of the year are gathered outside celebrating. Read the announcement to see the full list of the 2022 county teachers of the year.
Photo caption: Back row, from left are Jose Melo, Christine Hill, Jay Tweet,and Tiffany Jokerst. Middle row, from left are Heather McClain, her head popping out from behind Sanders who is taking the photo, Arah Allard, and Paula Richardson. Front row from left are Xye Sanders, taking the photo, Jackie Jourdane, and Laura Reyes.
More to Explore
- 2022-23 County Teacher of the Year Nominees
- 2024 Timeline
- Past San Diego County Teachers of the Year
2022-23 County Teacher of the Year Nominees
View the list of nominees for 2022-23 county teacher of the year. Photos of the nominees are available in this folder.
District
Alpine Union
Bonsall Unified
Carlsbad Unified
Cajon Valley Union
Chula Vista Elementary
Chula Vista Elementary
Chula Vista Elementary
Del Mar Union
Escondido Union
Escondido Union
Fallbrook Union Elementary
Grossmont Union
Grossmont Union
La Mesa-Spring Valley
Lakeside Union
Lemon Grove
Mountain Empire Unified
National
Oceanside Unified
Oceanside Unified
Poway Unified
Poway Unified
Poway Unified
Ramona Unified
San Diego County Office of Education
San Diego Unified
San Diego Unified
San Diego Unified
San Diego Unified
San Dieguito Union
San Pasqual Union
San Ysidro
Santee
South Bay Union
Sweetwater Union
Sweetwater Union
Sweetwater Union
Sweetwater Union
Sweetwater Union
Sweetwater Union
Name
Christine Morales
Amy Tull
Amanda Tsoi
Jessica Eaton
Cynthia Montaño
Jonathan Seligman
Sarah Ortega
Stephanie Cluxton
Carla Hodge
Johanna Vigil-DeLeon
Breena Bogikes
Stephanie LaBerge-Luhnow
Rachel Moritz
Madeline Spence
Tina Hober
Kathryn Kelly
Sheri Miller
Jacqueline Ma
Rebecca Miceli
Kristina Vasquez
Andrea Ford
Jeanne "Nay" Flinn
Aimee McCoy
Kaylene Weber
Cindy Stallo
Andrea Loyko
Joe Paulson
Josh Rosenberg
Kimberly Frank
Timothy Stiven
Kymbee McKay
Juanita Nuñez
Tara O'Connell
Monica Hueso-Melgar
Melissa Rains
Katrine Czajkowski
Marko Gutierrez
Taffy Tom
Francisco Medina
Susan Mateo
School
Boulder Oaks Elementary
Vivian Banks Charter
Valley Middle School
Meridian Elementary
Lilian J. Rice Elementary
Joseph Casillas Elementary
Harborside Elementary
Torrey Hills School
Felicita Elementary
Rincon Middle School
William H. Frazier Elementary
Grossmont High School
Mount Miguel High School
La Mesa Arts Academy
Lakeside Farms Elementary
Vista La Mesa Academy
Potrero Dual Language Academy
Lincoln Acres Elementary
Del Rio Elementary
El Camino High School
Westview High School
Connect Academy
Mesa Verde Middle School
Barnett Elementary
37ECB Community School
Clay Elementary
Marston Middle School
Scripps Ranch High School
Standley Middle School
Canyon Crest Academy
San Pasqual Union Elementary
Ocean View Hills/Sunset/Smythe/
Willow/La Mirada Elementary
PRIDE Academy
Emory Academy of Global Leadership and Empowerment
Castle Park Middle School
Mar Vista High School
San Ysidro High School
Chula Vista Middle School
Southwest Senior High School
Sweetwater High School
2024 Timeline
Timeline | |
---|---|
April 4 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. |
County Teacher of the Year 2024 Application Workshop – virtual We will assist candidates with information about the application process and tips on completing the application. Done virtually. |
April 17 4 p.m. |
OPTIONAL: Application Review - submit drafts of the questionnaire, essays On or before April 17 at 4 p.m. for review |
April 25 4 p.m. |
County Teacher of the Year Application Due Submit application documents online |
May 2 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. |
Interview Skills and Media Training Workshop - virtual We will provide interview tips and advice on working with the media. Done virtually. |
May 9, 12, and 16 |
County Teacher of the Year Interviews – virtual County Teacher of the Year applicants who meet the CDE's eligibility requirements and the application technical requirements will have a 20-minute virtual interview. |
June 2 Tentative arrival time 5 p.m. |
Padres Educator Appreciation Night Padres vs. Chicago Cubs, 6:40 p.m. Recognition details TBA |
Eligibility Criteria as determined by the CDE
- Be fully credentialed teachers currently employed to teach any pre-kindergarten through grade 12 curriculum to children or adults.
- Have completed eight years of teaching at the time the application is submitted at the local level.
- Be employed full time. Applicants may be assigned some administrative duties if teaching is the primary responsibility.
- Have demonstrated leadership and innovation inside and outside of the classroom walls that embodies lifelong learning.
- Have expressed themselves in an engaging and articulate way.
- Be available to fulfill ambassadorial duties during the year of service and be supported by their employer.
Past San Diego County Teachers of the Year
*State Teacher of the Year
**State and National Teacher of the Year
2023
2022
Tiffany Jokerst, Grossmont Union High School District*
Jacquelyn Jourdane, Lemon Grove School District
Heather McClain, Ramona Unified School District
Laura Reyes, Escondido Union School District
Xye Sanders, Oceanside Unified School District
2021
Arah Allard, Del Mar Union School District
Christine Hill, Ramona Unified School District
Jose Melo, Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District
Paula Richardson, San Diego Unified School District
Jay Tweet, Grossmont Union High School District
2020
Don Dumas, Sweetwater Union High School District
Christine Hansen, Escondido Union School District
Hilda Martinez, San Diego Unified School District
Nicole Miller, San Marcos Unified School District
Kelly Tulloch, Mountain Empire Unified School District
2019
Stephanie Glanz, Escondido Union School District
Sesha Haynes, Sweetwater Union High School District
Melissa Moreno, Chula Vista Elementary School District
Jose Villegas, South Bay Union School District
Katie Wu, Poway Unified School District
2018
Jaime Yumiko Brown, San Diego Unified School District*
Camden Flores, La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
Mark Lantsberger, Poway Unified School District
Ben Swearingen, South Bay Union School District
Kathy Worley, Grossmont Union High School District
2017
Jenny Chien Anderson, Vista Unified School District*
Brooke Crocker, Grossmont Union High School District
Stuart Douglas, Sweetwater Union High School District
Megan Gross, Poway Unified School District*
Amy Schwenke, Fallbrook Union Elementary School District
2016
Doug Green, Carlsbad Unified School District*
Armando Leon, Sweetwater Union High School District
Paul Messerle, Poway Unified School District
Shirley Parrish Miranda, San Diego Unified School District
Janet Ratkovic Feilen, Cajon Valley Union School District
2015
John Berray, Grossmont Union High School District
Mary Goins, Lakeside Union School District
Sara Matthews, San Diego County Office of Education
Khamphet Pease, San Diego Unified School District
Maria Teran-Cruz, Carlsbad Unified School District
2014
Kerry Araiza, Poway Unified School District
Eileen Bagg-Rizzo, Grossmont Union High School District
Bethany Chaffin, Escondido Union School District
Cindy Jackson, Escondido Union School District
Crystal Rienick, Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District
2013
Anthony Bayro, Poway Unified School District
Tim Dobbins, Cajon Valley Union School District
Emily Jimenez, Sweetwater Union High School District
Jennifer McSparran, Ramona Unified School District
Martin Reisert, Poway Unified School District
2012
Mark Alcorn, San Diego Unified School District
Mark Burroughs, San Pasqual Union School District
Jo-Ann Fox, Escondido Union School District
Alicia McBride, County Office of Education
Yolanda Sherard, Sweetwater Union High School District
2011
Darin Curtis, Lakeside Union School District*
Eric Frandsen, Oceanside Unified School District
Stephen Keiley, San Diego County Office of Education
Ericka Senegar-Mitchell, San Diego Unified School District
Shaylene Watkins, Poway Unified School District
2010
Kelly Kovacic, San Diego Unified School District*
Mike Love, Grossmont Union High School District
Melanie Tolan, San Diego County Office of Education*
Donna Farquar, Santee School District
Eric Mabrey, Sweetwater Union High School District
2009
Theodosia Ballard, San Diego Unified School District
Patty Blome, Sweetwater Union High School District
Alex Kajitani, Escondido Union School District*
Bill Kvitli, Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District
Tom Waldron, Grossmont Union High School District
2008
Andee Aceves, Lemon Grove School District*
Freddie Chavarria, Oceanside Unified School District
Vicki Pilling, Solana Beach School District
Chris Stanley, Santee School District
Tammy Reina, San Diego County Office of Education*
2007
Pamela Moorehead, San Diego County Office of Education
Eduardo Ochoa, San Diego Unified School District
Judy Leff, Encinitas Union School District
Cheri Gabler, Grossmont Union High School District
2006
Keith Koelzer, Poway Unified School District
Erin McPeek, San Diego City Schools
Guillermo Gomez, Chula Vista Elementary School District
Karen Anglin, Mountain Empire Unified School District
2005
Ani Asaro, La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
Debra Brice, San Marcos Unified School District
Stan Murphy, San Diego Unified School District*
Kathy Toon, San Diego County Office of Education
2004
Robin Ballarin, Grossmont Union High School District
Arlene Fink, Sweetwater Union High School District
Zenaida Rosario, San Ysidro School District*
Sherroll Stogsdill-Posey, Chula Vista Elem. School District
2003
Ross Adams, HOPE Infant Program, San Diego County Office of Education
Connie Blackburn, Central School, Escondido Union School District*
Kathy Dooley, Orange Glen High School, Escondido Union High School District
Willie DeJean, Rancho Bernardo High School, Poway Unified School District
2002
Elisa Holston, La Presa
Middle School Jess Johnson, Lemon Grove Middle School
Mary Jo Thomas, Mt. Carmel High School
Pauline Williams, Potter Jr. High School
2001
Beckie Garrett, San Marcos High School
Dean Hickman, Scripps Ranch High School
Julie Mori,Mesa Verde Middle School
Kathleen Shiel,Dehesa School
2000
Karen O'Connor, Poway Unified School District*
Gualter Moura, San Diego Unified School District
Alma Hills, San Diego Unified School District
Jan Mongoven, San Marcos Unified School District*
1999
Michelle Beauchamp, Sweetwater Union High School District
Lynda Elliott, San Diego Unified School District
Glenn Hillegas, San Diego Unified School District
Robert Pacilio, Poway Unified School District
1998
Linda Foote, Poway Unified School District
Robin Dime, San Diego Unified School District
Jean Small, San Diego Unified School District
Leslie Gushwa, San Dieguito Union High School District
1997
Linda Poznanter, Fallbrook Union High School District
Susan Emerson, Grossmont Union High School District
Linda Austin, San Diego County Office of Education
Mark Heinze, San Diego Unified School District
1996
Ramona Velazquez Batliner, Encinitas Union School District
Belle Johnson Bohn, Ramona Unified School District
Lori Brickley, Poway Unified School District
Sheila LeCompte, Chula Vista Elementary School District
1995
Roy Anthony, Grossmont Union High School District*
Lillian Bosworth, Santee School District
Loni Jo Soderberg, San Diego Unified School District
Kristie Szentesi, Poway Unified School District
1994
Barry Bosworth, Grossmont Union High School District
Terri Gootgeld, Encinitas Union School District
Sandra McBrayer, San Diego County Office of Education**
Leticia Rocha, San Ysidro School District
1993
Dollie Marcos Asaro, San Diego Unified School District
Adrienne Moreland, Ramona Unified School District
Carol Scurlock, San Marcos Unified School District
1992
Robert Clare Johnson, Escondido Union High School District
Judith Parker, Chula Vista Elementary School District
Patti Pettigrew, Escondido Union School District
1991
Joyce Jennings, San Diego County Office of Education
Marc Knapp, San Diego Unified School District
Penny Turk, Cajon Valley Union School District
1990
Jan Gabay, San Diego Unified School District**
Grace Hauseur, Del Mar Union School District
George Roswell, Vista Unified School District
1989
Joan McCollom, San Diego Unified School District
Edward Reed, Sweetwater Union High School District
Joe Smith, Ramona Unified School District
1988
John Damelio, Escondido Union School District
Michael Jordan, Ramona Unified School District
Silvia Reyes, Oceanside Unified School District
1987
Ron Bolles, Sweetwater Union High School District
Kim Cooley, Oceanside Unified School District
Bruce Wollitz, Cajon Valley Union School District
1986
Terry Campbell, Poway Unified School District
Joe Mattera, San Diego County Office of Education
William Henry Rienstra, Fallbrook Union High School District
1985
Charles Robert Downing, Grossmont Union High School District
Lewis V. Freed, Grossmont Union High School District
Elizabeth Zmich, San Diego Unified School District
1984
Stanley Dean, Escondido Union High School District
Rick Schofield, San Diego Unified School District
Mary Shouppe, San Diego Unified School District
1983
Joseph Anton Nyiri, San Diego Unified School District
Beverly Rouston, National School District
Al Walker, Fallbrook Union High School District
1982
Nadia Maria Quintana Davies, Grossmont Union High School District
Stephen A. McLeod, Escondido Union School District
Jane Collins Schaffer, Grossmont Union High School District
1981
Margaret Ruth Chaimson, Grossmont Union High School District
Patricia Oyeshiku, San Diego Unified School District*
Edward A. Woodruff, La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
1980
Marjorie Sue Blass, Grossmont Union High School District
Gertrude McClay, Vista Unified School District
Mona Moon, San Diego Unified School District
1979
Frank J. Barone, Poway Unified School District
June M. Mott, Grossmont Union High School District
Hank Nadeau, Escondido Union School District*
1978
Anne Benedict, Sweetwater Union High School District
Baby Dalle Hancock, Chula Vista Elementary School District
Patricia Slijk, Sweetwater Union High School District
1977
Edward Michael Doherty, Escondido Union School District
Myrra Lenore Lee, Grossmont Union High School District**
Melody Martin, San Dieguito Union High School District
1976
James H. Cusack, Sweetwater Union High School District
Norma Kerby, Poway Unified School District
Jay Harold Williams, San Dieguito Union High School District
1975
Patty Jo Cornish, Poway Unified School District
Shirley Richardson, San Dieguito Union High School District
Elinor Van Den Akker, Grossmont Union High School District
1974
Zelma Crider, San Diego Unified School District
Donald Love, Poway Unified School District
Michael Smull, Sweetwater Union High School District