Educators selected as 2025-26 Teachers of the Year (Photo – lacoe)
Sixteen outstanding educators from across Los Angeles County have been named the 2025-26 Teachers of the Year, with several honorees representing local districts in Alhambra, Monrovia, Burbank, Glendale, South Pasadena, and Temple City. These exceptional teachers exemplify excellence in education, inspiring students and communities through innovative practices, a passion for learning, and a deep commitment to the next generation.
By News Desk
The annual awards ceremony, held at the Universal Hilton Hotel, celebrated these educators as part of the largest and most prestigious recognition program for public-school teachers in the United States. The 16 teachers were selected from a pool of 70 nominees across 65 school districts, each demonstrating an outstanding impact on students’ academic, personal, and emotional growth.
Local Honorees Shine
In Alhambra, Christina Kwon Loose, a 7th-grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher at Martha Baldwin Elementary, was named one of the top educators of the year. With 15 years of experience, Loose has made a profound impact by not only teaching academic subjects but also imparting life skills such as managing emotions and fostering empathy. A former student remarked, “Mrs. Loose was there for me when I needed her the most.”
In Monrovia, Heather Povinelli, a second-grade teacher at Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy, was celebrated for her unwavering dedication to helping young learners thrive. With 22 years of teaching experience, Povinelli’s classroom is a place where students excel academically while also growing emotionally. An administrator praised her ability to create a welcoming environment, even after a devastating fire forced her to relocate her classroom. “She established a new classroom where students continued to thrive,” the administrator said.
South Pasadena’s Emily Smith, a first-grade teacher at Arroyo Vista Elementary, has become a local standout. With 18 years of teaching experience, Smith is known for her emphasis on empathy, community-building, and empowering every student. A parent shared, “Mrs. Smith embraces each child, not as a challenge to overcome but as a learner to honor.”
In Burbank, Kara Clark, a photography and yearbook instructor at John Burroughs High School, was recognized for her work in Career and Technical Education (CTE). With nine years of experience, Clark has helped students discover their passions through photography and creative expression. One student expressed their gratitude, saying Clark “saved my life” by helping them find a love for photography that transformed their future.
In Glendale, Marylou Escobar, a kindergarten teacher at John Muir Elementary, was honored for her work in Dual Language Immersion (DLI), where she nurtures young minds in both English and Spanish. With 38 years of experience, Escobar’s classroom is known for its warmth and high expectations, offering a rich bilingual environment for her students. An administrator commented, “Escobar’s students are immersed in a rich bilingual experience within a learning space filled with love and care.”
Lastly, Temple City’s Lacey Scanlan, a visual and performing arts teacher at Emperor Elementary, was recognized for creating a safe, joyful environment where students can explore their creative voices. With nine years of teaching experience, Scanlan’s theater and dance classes provide a space where students develop artistic skills, build confidence, and discover self-expression.
The Road to State Recognition
The 16 honorees from Los Angeles County will now compete for the prestigious title of California Teacher of the Year, with five selected to represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year competition. Dr. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools, emphasized the importance of teachers in shaping communities: “Their dedication, innovation, and love of learning inspire students every day and strengthen the fabric of our communities.”
Each honoree received a $1,000 cash award and will continue to serve as role models for the 73,000 educators working throughout the county.
> View the 2025-26 L.A. County Teachers of the Year video playlist at this link.
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