Mrs. Helena Yee leads students during singing time at Arroyo Vista Elementary School. (Photo SPUSD)
Helena Yee, a longtime teacher and dedicated member of the South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD), has been named a 2025 Outstanding Educator honoree by California Assemblymember Mike Fong.
By Rena Kurlander
The prestigious award recognizes educators who demonstrate an unwavering dedication to teaching and a profound commitment to positively shaping the lives of their students.
“I am so honored to be chosen as one of the Outstanding Educators of Congressional District 49,” said Mrs. Yee. “But honestly, if I can be called a good teacher, it is only because of the inspiration I receive from such an incredible community as South Pasadena and Arroyo Vista Elementary School, in particular.”
Yee continued, expressing gratitude for the support and collaboration of her colleagues and the school community. “I am blessed to be surrounded by amazing teachers and staff who inspire me to reach for excellence and who encourage me when I don’t. I am challenged by the students to teach with joy so that they can learn with joy. I am energized by the parents because their love, care, and passion shine through in their children and in our school, and this in turn motivates me to try to do the same.”
With over 30 years of teaching experience in SPUSD, Mrs. Yee has taught across a wide range of grade levels, including Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 4th grade, 5th grade, and 4th/5th grade combination classes. Her deep connection to the community extends beyond her professional role—she is also a proud alumna of SPUSD, having started at Monterey Hills Elementary School as a third grader.
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