Orange County Celebrates Six Outstanding Teachers of the Year

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Orange County Teacher of the Year event celebrating outstanding educators.

News Summary

Orange County’s education community honored six exceptional educators for their remarkable contributions in the classroom. Superintendent Stefan Bean announced the awardees, including Jeannette Aguilera, a dedicated third-grade teacher from Centralia Elementary School. The honorees, who utilize innovative teaching methods and foster student leadership, received plaques, gifts, and a chance for national recognition. These passionate educators exemplify the heart and dedication needed in shaping the future of their students.

Exciting Times for Orange County: Six Exceptional Educators Awarded Teacher of the Year Honors!

Orange County has a lot to cheer about as the local education community recognizes six truly outstanding educators who have made remarkable impacts in their classrooms. This year’s excitement culminated in a joyful announcement by Orange County Superintendent Stefan Bean, who revealed the names of the honorees in front of excited students. What an electrifying moment!

Leading the pack is Jeannette Aguilera, an inspiring third-grade teacher from Centralia Elementary School. Just as she is gearing up to welcome her first child into the world, this passionate educator has received the notable title of one of six Orange County Teachers of the Year. Out of a whopping 20,000 teachers considered for this prestigious award, Aguilera stood out for her commitment to innovative teaching and student leadership.

The classroom erupted with cheers and screams when Aguilera’s name was announced, a moment that surely reinforced her dedication. As part of her award, she received an eye-catching plaque topped with a red apple, along with gifts from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. To top it all off, she will be awarded a gigantic replica check for $25,000 at a gala in the fall. Talk about a reason to celebrate!

Teaching with Passion and Purpose

With a decade of teaching experience under her belt, Aguilera describes education as her “passion”. She continually seeks to foster a classroom environment that embraces collaboration and creative thinking. Utilizing innovative teaching methods such as tangible math materials and “detective glasses” for reading, she has transformed her classroom into a vibrant learning space. Aguilera also emphasizes a growth mindset, encouraging her students to embrace their mistakes as valuable learning opportunities.

Aguilera was instrumental in establishing the school’s very first “Leadership Day”, an event that showcases student-led projects, demonstrating her commitment to enhancing student agency and leadership skills. Her husband, Benjamin Li, proudly spoke of her role as a guiding light, inspiring students daily.

A Diverse Group of Awardees

Aguilera is not alone in her shining achievement. Five other remarkable educators also received honors, representing various grades and subjects across Orange County. Among them is Darcy Blake, a teacher at Ladera Vista Junior High School. She specializes in using writing to help her students understand themselves better, having crafted empathy-building lessons that resonate with young minds.

Erin Bro has made waves at San Clemente High School as the leader of the AVID program, achieving a stunning 100% college acceptance rate for her students over the past 15 years. What an outstanding legacy!

Next up is Tracy Havens, a dedicated second-grade teacher at Hicks Canyon Elementary. She is passionate about creating a family-like atmosphere in her classroom, ensuring that every student feels valued and supported in their learning journey.

Meanwhile, Megan Lee teaches transitional kindergarten at Loara Elementary. Through her commitment to fostering kindness and respect, she cultivates a sense of community among her students, which is essential for their early development.

Last but not least, we have Catherine Reinhardt-Zacair, a highly experienced French teacher at Fullerton College. With nearly four decades of teaching under her belt, she inspires her students to explore study abroad opportunities, bringing a global perspective into their education.

Looking Ahead

The six honored educators will not only represent Orange County in the upcoming 2026 cycle for state recognitions but may also go on to gain national recognition for their incredible contributions to education.

In a time when educators are more important than ever, the hard work of these teachers showcases the heart and dedication that is pivotal in shaping the future of students. Congratulations to all the honorees! Stay tuned for more exciting developments in the world of education!