• 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. 

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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