 | Milton HernandezAlum Rock Union School District | Sylvia Cassell Elementary School | First Grade Years in the profession: 26 | in the district: 26 I aim to provide a positive attitude, high level of respect, and great expectations to the classroom every day. Working with kids and experiencing their growth is the biggest reward I could ask for.
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 | Diana MartinezBerryessa Union School District | Piedmont Middle School | Transitional Kindergarten through Eighth Grade Years in the profession: 17 | in the district: 17 I believe that all students should have the opportunity to learn in an environment that fosters personal and academic growth. I strive to create a community that embraces each other’s differences, allows them to express who they are, and reminds them that with practice comes progress.
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 | Stacey BiboCambrian School District | Ida Price Middle School | Eighth Grade Years in the profession: 23 | in the district: 18
Ever since I was in elementary school, I knew I always wanted to be a teacher. When I was in school, I always felt like the teachers favored the "smart" kids. I promised myself I would treat ALL students as if they were my favorite. Everyone has a special gift, and I wanted to teach ALL students they are valued.
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 | Marie-Julie L. MurrayCampbell Union High School District| Camden Post-Secondary Academy |Post-Secondary Special Education Years in the profession: 15 | in the district: 5
I believe all students can learn and our job as special education teachers is to educate, not occupy. It is important for individuals with intellectual disabilities to create a meaningful future for themselves.
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 | Gloria McGriff
Campbell Union School District |Capri Elementary School | Fifth Grade Years in the profession: 15 | in the district: 5
The breadth of professional development that I have had over the years makes each year a new experience as I learn to incorporate what I'm learning into my teaching practice. Teaching for me is about igniting students' curiosity and critical thinking skills.
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 | Kevin JacksCounty Office of Education | OYA Washington Youth Center | Independent Studies - Secondary Level Years in the profession: 16 | in the district: 5
My mother was a teacher for many years and the bonds she made with both students and families inspired me to go into teaching. Working with 'at-promise' youth for over 15 years I have learned that the most difficult student is usually the one that needs you the most.
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 | Alicia Torres
County-Authorized Charter School | Luis Valdez Leadership Academy | 11th to 12th Grade Years in the profession: 5.5 years | in the district: 5.5 years
I was drawn to the teaching profession after my previous job, working for Title I students. I worked with families and students for seven years. This job taught me a lot about education and students in need of caring and understanding educators.
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 | Joan Orvick
Cupertino Union School District | Kennedy Middle School | Fifth Grade
Years in the profession: 8 | in the district: 8 My passion for teaching comes from the relationships that are built with students each year. Every student brings something unique to the classroom, and the special dynamic that is created between teacher and students is something I cherish.
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 | Elizabeth FongEvergreen School District | Silver Oak Elementary School | Fourth Grade Years in the profession: 24 | in the district: 23
My vision is to create a future community where learning never stops, and educators see themselves as both leaders and learners. Teaching for me is about igniting students' curiosity and critical thinking skills.
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 | Alie Victorine
Franklin-McKinley School District | Windmill Springs Elementary School | Sixth Grade Years in the profession: 28 | in the district: 28
Teaching runs in my family. I am the 4th generation of educators, but I never wanted to be a teacher until I saw how education could truly be different at our children's school - Windmill Springs.
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 | Elizabeth Louie
Fremont Union High School District | Lynbrook High School Ninth to 12th Grade
Years in the profession: 11 | in the district: 5 I believe that the work we do as language teachers gives our students a powerful way to interact with different communities as well as their own, and to potentially change the world for the better. I am so proud of our students who take the leap to learn a new language and hope they've gained as much as I have from them.
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 | Jean DavisGilroy Unified School District | Ascencion Solorsano Middle School | Eighth Grade Years in the profession: 21 | in the district: 18
In the classroom, I fill my heart daily with the privilege of getting to empower my students: creating confident learners and supporting each in their educational journey. I teach to give, connect and serve my students in ways that dramatically changed my own life.
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 | Heather WingfieldLakeside Joint School District | Lakeside Elementary School | Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten Years in the profession: 22 | in the district: 18 Children grow at their own rate and I want this to be reflected in the classroom atmosphere. I believe in getting children engaged using hands-on, multisensory experiences to enrich their education and make learning accessible.
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 | Janis Riccomini
Loma Prieta Joint Union School District | Loma Prieta Elementary School | Second Grade Years in the profession: 17 | in the district: 12 I was encouraged to pursue a career in teaching after my daughter's kindergarten teacher observed me volunteering in her classroom. One of my favorite activities in reading is my Book Club. No matter the grade or reading level, all students are able to participate.
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 | Mollie Smoke Kesselring
Los Altos School District | Blach Intermediate School | Seventh to Eighth Grade Years in the profession: 27 | in the district: 6
I was drawn to the teaching profession because I wanted to be a voice for students who needed additional help. Having a hybrid position of both a co-teacher and a co-teaching instructional coach has been the perfect blend… Allowing two uniquely certificated specialist to work together in one classroom is a benefit to all students.
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 | Jennifer Splaine
Los Gatos Union School District | Daves Avenue Elementary School | First Grade Years in the profession: 27 | in the district: 27
Three of the women I always have looked up to in my life were my mother, my auntie and my grandmother who were all amazing teachers. I knew I wanted to be a teacher as far back as I can remember. My dream came true when I was hired at Daves for my first teaching job.
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 | Brian Elliott
Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District | Saratoga High School | Ninth to 12th Grade Years in the profession: 21 | in the district: 11
My philosophy is to give everyone a chance. I build relationships with students of trust so they feel safe to learn and try new things. I enjoy all the multiple facets of education and how special education everyday is different.
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 | Diana Benavides
Luther Burbank School District | Luther Burbank Elementary School | Transitional Kindergarten through Eight Grade Years in the profession: 17 | in the district: 17
The social and emotional development of a child is an integral part of the student's support system. As a school counselor, creating a school climate that promotes healthy learning, living, and personal growth is always my priority.
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 | Bill Collins
Metropolitan Education District | Silicon Valley Adult Education |All levels of high school math Years in the profession: 40 |in the district: 3
Growing up on a farm, I found planting and nurturing a seed to its maturity rewarding. Watching students and individuals grow and find (define) themselves, I find equally rewarding.
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 | Kimberly Jone MillerMoreland School District |District Nurse/All grades
Years in the profession: 10 as a school nurse, 17 as an registered nurse | in the district: 3 I love working with students. I get to know them and their families. I see them grow year by year and learn to independently manage their health. | |
 | Frankie KelletMorgan Hill Unified School District | Ann Sobrato High School | Ninth grade English (currently Assistant Principal for 2022-23 school year) Years in the profession: 7 |in the district: 8
I firmly believe that education is a great equalizer. Education can be placed where students with different backgrounds and strengths learn and grow from each other.
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 | Lauren Camarillo
Mountain View Los Altos Union High School District | Mountain View High School | Ninth to 12th Grade Years in the profession: 11 | in the district: 6 My whole family is in education -- we are teachers, counselors, administrators, and professors. From a young age, I got to see the ways they helped their students reach their full potential as learners and as people. This motivated me to find ways to make a positive impact in my own community.
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 | Jessica Rodriguez
Mountain View Whisman School District | Monta Loma Elementary School |Third Grade Years in the profession: 10 |in the district: 10
I have always valued my native language and in my classroom I provide a safe space for children to practice and use their native language. I love being able to speak their home language to support them.
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 | Christine H. Okada-Seike
Mt. Pleasant Elementary School District | Mt. Pleasant Elementary School | Transitional Kindergarten Years in the profession: 22 | in the district: 8
I was inspired by a number of educators who masterfully created enriching and engaging educational experiences. I love being a part of a learning community with my students as we dare to ask meaningful questions, persevere through the challenges, build a classroom community of trust and celebrate our successes together.
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 | Fariba Roberts
Oak Grove School District | Christopher Elementary School | Third Grade Years in the profession: 13 | in the district: 13 I strive to teach my students to be kind and caring.I love working with children and love seeing students grow throughout the year.
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 | Rebecca Anna TaubSan Jose Unified School District | Broadway High School | Ninth to 12th Grade
Years in the profession: 6 | in the district: 2 Being the director of the Young Families Program at Broadway High School is my dream job as I have the opportunity to support students who could have fallen through the cracks. Having the opportunity to work with students and families and encourage and inspire students to finish high school is rewarding.
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 | Claudia A. LopezSanta Clara Unified School District | Westwood Elementary School | Kindergarten to Fifth Grade Years in the profession: 12 | in the district:12
All students can learn. Some learn differently than others. It is our job to find the student's strengths and use those strengths to help them learn.
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 | Ann Marie Borgia-Camp
Saratoga Union Elementary School District | Saratoga Elementary School |Third Grade Years in the profession: 36 | in the district: 36 I had some amazing teachers throughout my school years, and felt drawn to the profession. I teach that everyone is unique and special, and our differences make us more interesting and need to be celebrated.
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 | Lindsay Choi
Sunnyvale School District | Columbia Middle School | Seventh Grade Years in the profession: 6 | in the district: 6
I am the product of all of my teachers, mentors and colleagues who have inspired and supported me - Thank you for helping me become the teacher I am today! I am incredibly grateful to be in the position to be a lifelong learner and to help shape the minds and hearts of the next generation!
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 | Shawn Miller
Union School District | Dartmouth Middle School | Seventh and Eight Grade Years in the profession: 10 | in the district:10
An internship in high school inspired me to pursue a profession in education. I knew that I wanted to continue helping students be better both inside and outside the classroom.
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