 | Katie Iyama
Campbell Union School District | Capri Elementary School
3rd Grade | Years in the profession: 12 | in the district: 11
"My teaching philosophy centers on the belief that building meaningful relationships is the cornerstone of student success. By fostering an environment of trust, respect, and empathy, I aim to create a space where students feel valued and understood, which enhances engagement and encourages them to take risks in their learning. Additionally, I recognize the importance of providing tailored instruction that is effective, collaborative, and relevant. When students feel connected and supported, they are more motivated and resilient, leading to deeper understanding and lasting success."
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 | Cristina BustamanteAlum Rock Union School District | Ocala STEAM Academy
7th and 8th Grade | Years in the profession: 24 | in the district: 24
“My philosophy focuses on fostering a classroom culture that goes beyond academics; it's about building a community where students can grow socially and emotionally. “
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 | Hannah M. SunCupertino Union School District | John F. Kennedy Middle School
6th through 8th Grade | Years in the profession: 20 | in the district: 18
"The world is changing fast around us, and we may not know what jobs these kids will need to prepare for, but I know that we are in good hands if we develop future generations that will not just do what's best for themselves, but do right by others and think about how to coexist with other people and species in a mutually beneficial way."
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 | Jessica NguyenBerryessa Union School District | Morrill Middle School
6th through 8th Grade | Years in the profession: 8 | in the district: 7
“I believe that the arts are for everyone, and through them, students can learn the value of progress over perfection. Music is not just a series of technical skills, but a meaningful way to create beauty and develop resilience.”
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 | Chau Quach
East Side Union High School District | Independence High School
9th through 12th Grade | Years in the profession: 15 | in the district: 15 “I want my students to feel empowered when a problem arises and that starts with having the right attitude and willingness to see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.”
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 | Shannon SimpsonEvergreen School District | Tom Matsumoto Elementary School
Transitional Kindergarten | Years in the profession: 24 | in the district: 24
"From a young age, I was captivated by the idea of becoming a teacher. Through the years, my interest in teaching began taking shape. The joy of interacting with students, and knowing that I could contribute to their educational journey, affirmed my commitment to the field of education and solidified that teaching was my calling."
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 | Kathline GilbreathFranklin-Mckinley School District | Jeanne R. Meadows Elementary School
3rd Grade | Years in the profession: 28 | in the district: 28
“I want to ensure all students regardless of their learning ability feel included, respected, valued, and safe.”
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 | Cole CroghanCampbell Union High School District | Del Mar High School
9th through 12th Grade | Years in the profession: 5 | in the district: 5 "With 25 years in the food service industry I wanted to pass along my knowledge to the students so they could get an opportunity to see if the food service industry may be a career path for them. Students experience the satisfaction of creating something that could be shared and appreciated by others while developing a skill they could use for their lifetime."
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 | Stacey JaehnigFremont Union High School District | Cupertino High School
10th through 12th Grade | Years in the profession: 28 | in the district: 28
“I love working with my fellow educators and know that my success is largely a result of our combined work effort.”
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 | Jeanne BaumgartnerGilroy Unified School District | Christopher High School
9th and 12th Grade | Years in the profession: 27 | in the district: 27 "I believe all students can succeed with the right support, encouragement, and opportunities. It's our responsibility to hold them to high standards while equipping them with the tools to reach their potential. Alongside helping students grow, I’ve dedicated years to mentoring new teachers, knowing that strong relationships and collaboration are key to a thriving learning environment."
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 | Kathy McKinneyLakeside Joint School District | Lakeside School
Transitional Kindergarten through 5th Grade | Years in the profession: 20 | in the district: 20
"My students really love PE, which is what brings me the most satisfaction, knowing that my class will be one of the best parts of their school day."
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 | Michelle BowenLoma Prieta Joint Union School District | Loma Prieta Elementary School
3rd Grade | Years in the profession: 9 | in the district: 9 "I have always loved working with kids! My father was a teacher and I got to see first-hand the impact he had on his students. Our K-8th grade school district plays such an important role in our mountain community. Our teachers, staff, administrators, and parents all work together as a team to create a strong, supportive, and inclusive environment for our students to thrive."
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 | Joe ChanLos Altos School District | Los Altos School District
4thh through 6th Grade | Years in the profession: 31 | in the district: 20 “Aside from the teaching aspect, I value the importance of developing relationships with my students. It is through this student-teacher bond that I can reach my students more effectively.”
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 | Maria PulizzanoLos Gatos Union School District | RJ Fisher Middle School
6th through 8th Grade | Years in the profession: 25 | in the district: 8 “I strongly believe in education, because it is the key to a better quality of life for any individual. Education provides access to acquiring and developing different skills or skill sets, uplifting and empowering one's capabilities to contribute in becoming a better member of the society. Therefore, education should be accessible and available to all.”
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 | Michael TylerLos Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District | Saratoga High School
9th through 12th Grade | Years in the profession: 28 | in the district: 28 "My mission has been to help students tell the important stories of our school community. Guiding them through the transformative experience of school publications not only enhances their writing skills but also fosters leadership and builds the confidence they need for college and the workforce. Despite the long hours and the pressure of deadlines, the true reward lies in witnessing the profoundly positive impact this program has on my students."
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 | Marion ClarkMetropolitan Education District | Silicon Valley Adult Education
Adult | Years in the profession: 12 | in the district: 4 "Teaching is a career that has taken me around the world and enabled me to give something back to the students that I have had the pleasure to teach and the communities I have had the pleasure to serve."
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 | Sappho ChowMilpitas Unified School District | Anthony Spangler Elementary School
4th through 6th Grade | Years in the profession: 13 | in the district: 9 "As an immigrant, I understand that everyone learns in unique ways, and I apply this perspective to how I teach Science. My approach focuses on creating an interactive classroom where students are encouraged to engage in discussions and learn and teach one another. I believe that peer-to-peer interactions are one of the most effective ways for students to truly grasp concepts. To support different learning styles, I incorporate a variety of teaching methods and activities, ensuring that each student has the opportunity to connect with the topics we learn in class so they can develop their curiosity."
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 | Debbie PavlosMoreland School District | Baker Elementary School
Kindergarten and 1st Grade | Years in the profession: 36 | in the district: 36
"I was able to form strong bonds with my students and their parents. I developed a much stronger understanding of my students' needs and learning styles. Together we were better able to reflect on past progress to help enhance future progress."
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 | Teresa RoundsMorgan Hill Unified School District | Live Oak High School
High School Culinary | Years in the profession: 15 | in the district: 15 “My core belief is that what we need to do is get kids ready to take care of themselves and the people they love.”
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 | Esther WuMountain View Los Altos High School District | Mountain View High School 9th through 12th Grade | Years in the profession: 17 | in the district: 17 “I have learned that our profession is strongest when we are generous, not just with our students, but also with each other.” | |
 | Marco ArceMountain View Whisman School District | Crittenden Middle School
8th Grade | Years in the profession: 13 | in the district: 13 "My philosophy has always been that teaching begins with a relationship. When people feel valued and respected, they are more likely to be motivated to learn. Building a safe environment where students can think critically, take risks without judgment, and explore new concepts all starts with a relationship."
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 | Geetha ManjunathMount Pleasant Elementary School District | Ida Jew Academy and Valle Vista Elementary
8th Grade | Years in the profession: 14 | in the district: 12 “The opportunity to inspire curiosity, instill knowledge, and foster critical thinking skills in students excites me. I see teaching as a noble profession that allows me to make a positive difference in the lives of learners, helping them realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.”
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 | Kara ThayerSan José Unified School District | Herbert Hoover Middle School
6th through 8th Grade | Years in the profession: 17 | in the district: 3 "Teaching where I am rooted here in Santa Clara County is important to me because this is the school system that educated me and is helping me to educate my own children."
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 | Bridgette GoshtasbSanta Clara County Board of Education - Authorized Charter | ACE Empower Academy Middle School
7th and 8th Grade (Math) | Years in the profession: 8 | in the district: 4 "I'm truly passionate about teaching because it's incredibly rewarding to see students who were struggling suddenly start passing their classes and watching their faces light up with happiness. When they go from not understanding something to saying, 'Oh, I get it,' it makes me feel like I'm doing my job, and it fills my heart with joy."
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 | Annette HernandezSanta Clara County Office of Education | Osborne School
9th through 12th Grade | Years in the profession: 30 | in the district: 30 “I believe in creating a safe and supportive environment where students feel valued and heard. Building strong relationships is essential; when students trust me, they are more willing to engage and take risks in their learning. I strive to meet them where they are, tailoring my approach to their individual needs and interests, which helps reignite their passion for learning.”
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 | Sandy Waite-LopezSaratoga Union School District | Foothill Elementary School
4th grade | Years in the profession: 25 | in the district: 25 “I chose to teach because I love learning, have a desire to inspire, and have a heart for making a difference.”
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 | Divya BhasinSunnyvale School District | Lakewood Tech EQ
"Our preschool special education program serves children ages 3-4.5 with neurological differences, focusing on building foundational skills to prepare them for future success. My team and I create a structured environment with clear routines, individualized supports, and a play-based approach to learning, helping students develop communication skills through signs, pictures, or AAC devices. We foster independence, teaching students to follow routines and engage in meaningful, age-appropriate activities. I am deeply committed to building strong home-school connections, working closely with families to understand their child's unique needs and celebrating each small step in their developmental journey."
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 | Kandice HarmonUnion School District | Guadalupe Elementary School
5th Grade | Years in the profession: 8 | in the district: 8 "I believe that incorporating cross-curricular activities and hands-on projects creates the most rewarding learning experiences for students. Through the Green Team club and our garden initiatives, I aim to inspire kids to connect with nature and take pride in caring for their campus and environment."
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 | Cindy BosworthOak Grove School District | Anderson Elementary School
Transitional Kindergarten through 1st Grade | Years in the profession: 11 | in the district: 10 "My greatest accomplishment as a teacher has been the connections I made with my students and their families. Understanding their interests, needs, and challenges allowed me to better support their learning. By fostering a comfortable environment, I encouraged my students to express themselves and celebrate their achievements, making each one feel valued and special."
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 | Margaret JacksonSanta Clara Unified School District | Peterson Middle School
6th through 8th Grade | Years in the profession: 36 | in the district: 36 "I believe that engaging students in their learning begins with understanding their backgrounds and building meaningful relationships. When students feel comfortable and valued in the classroom, they are more willing to share and produce quality work. By fostering a safe and engaging environment with humor, positivity, and respect, I can teach with creativity and rigor, guiding my ELD students through relevant hands-on experiences that enhance their language skills."
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