The Teacher of the Year (TOY) program honors teachers who demonstrate a strong commitment to their students, school and community. It highlights the positive aspects of education and honors the diversity within our teaching community. Each year, from numerous nominations, 24 Los Angeles Unified Teachers of the Year are selected for their excellence, creativity and ability to make a difference in the lives of their students.
The selection process mirrors the Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year program. Five of our outstanding teachers from Los Angeles Unified will progress to the county's selection process, with the chance to be named California Teacher of the Year. If selected, the individual will then have the opportunity to compete for the title of National Teacher of the Year.
Jasmine Altounian James Madison Middle School Region North
Liberty Amos James Monroe High School Region North
Iliana Banuelos Balboa Elementary Gifted/Highly Gifted/High Ability Magnet Region North
Israel Bautista Maywood Center for Enriched Studies Region East
Fe Chavez Santee Education Complex Region East
Fernando Chavez Westchester Enriched Science Magnets Region West
Jennifer Crockett Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies Region North
Zachary Kano Rosewood Avenue STEM Magnet, Urban Planning & Urban Design Region West
Martha Martinez South Gate Middle School Region East
Analiza Meyer Andrew Carnegie Middle School Region South
Lisa Picarella Sun Valley Magnet School Region North
Agustin Sarmiento Maywood Center for Enriched Studies Region East
Monika Heidi Duque Rosewood Avenue STEM Magnet, Urban Planning & Urban Design Region West
Marci Lewis William Mulholland Middle School Region North
Juan Melendez Los Angeles High School of the Arts at RFK Community Schools Region West
Christine Moguel Joseph Pomeroy Widney Career Preparatory & Transition Center Region South
Jennifer Preuss Hesby Oaks Leadership Charter Region North
Amy Trevino Elysian Heights Elementary Art Magnet Region West
Pablo Gaeta Business/Entrepreneurship Virtual Academy Virtual Academies Options
Dr. La Tanya Manuel Mid-City's Prescott School of Enriched Studies Region West
Daisy Mercado Vista Del Valle Dual Language Academy Region North
Cesar Palacios Melrose Avenue Elementary School Region West
Martin Rodriguez Ramon C. Cortines Schools of Visual & Performing Arts Region East
Ruth Vasquez Rosewood Avenue STEM Magnet, Urban Planning & Urban Design Region West