A Santa Clara County tradition for over 50 years, the Teacher Recognition Celebration is the oldest and largest celebration of teachers in California and the most prestigious local award given to classroom teachers.
Every fall, the Teacher Recognition Celebration honors the county's finest teachers, each selected by their respective school districts. The SCCOE celebrations are made possible with the generous support of community partners.
Teacher Recognition is celebrated with these objectives in mind:
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to increase public awareness of the efforts and contributions of teachers and their role in helping our youth to succeed in the world
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to show appreciation for their many fine educational achievements
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to acknowledge the many years of training that teachers undertake
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to prepare for and stay current in their profession; and
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to strengthen ties between students and teachers and bring about a greater understanding between generations
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The 55th Santa Clara County Teacher of the Year Recognition Celebration
Monday, October 27, 2025
6:00 p.m. Reception ● 7:00 p.m. Program Begins
Santa Clara County Office of Education ● 1290 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, CA 95131
Invite Only
2024 Celebration Highlights
Watch more videos from the 54nd Annual Santa Clara County Teacher Recognition Celebration - teachers answer questions on how they engage with students and support families in their child's success:
2024 Sponsors
The 2024 Teacher Recognition Celebration would not be possible without the support of our community partners. Thank you!
(Hidden) 2022 Sponsored Awards
In 2022, in addition to the Teacher of the Year, we are honoring special instructors in Santa Clara County public schools who inspire students to enjoy and excel in these programs: STEM, Civics, and Arts Leadership. Learn more and submit your application by clicking on the links below:
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Civics Leadership Award 2022 - presented by the Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union (submissions are CLOSED as of September 16, 2022)
- The Civics Leadership Award honors exemplary educators who improve institutional culture, policy, and practice to advance opportunities to prepare students for active citizenship. Honorees inspire students to engage in their communities through democratic participation, respect and appreciation of diversity, and social responsibility.
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Arts Leadership Award 2022 - presented by the Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union (submissions are CLOSED as of September 16, 2022)
- The Arts Leadership award honors the special instructors who are inspiring students to excel in arts, languages, creative writing, and/or literature programs. Arts increase not only student engagement, but allow for self-expression, creativity, and overall increased academic achievement.
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Innovation in STEM Awards 2022 - presented by The Tech Interactive (submissions are CLOSED as of September 23, 2022)
The "Innies" highlight key principles of STEM: Boldness, Curiosity, Collaboration, Perseverance, and Empathy. One award will be presented for each principle.
(Hidden) 2022 Celebration Event
(Hidden) California Department of Education
Calfornia Teacher of the Year Application Documentation Instructions
The application deadline has passed (as of July 25, 2022)
Please contact communications@sccoe.org
for questions on review, adjudication, and decision process.
District Teachers of the Year can locate information about the CA TOY Program, including links to the CA TOY Application (Online Survey) and the CA TOY Application Documentation Instructions, on the CDE CA TOY web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/ct/.
Detailed application information can be found at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/ct/appdocins.asp.
*New requirements this year!* Introductory video: (Cell phone is fine. Video production not required)
- Name, District, and County
- Description of why you teach and how teaching has impacted your life.
- Should not exceed three (3) minutes
Please contact the Communications Department at communications@sccoe.org with questions. Districts should only be communicating with the County Office. The County Office communicates with the CDE.
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