(L-R) Assistant Superintendent David Lubs, Superintendent Angela Elizondo Baxter, Teacher of the Year Jennifer Velez Simon, Associate Superintendent Christiane Gervais, and Assistant Superintendent Judy Correnti celebrate at the 45th Annual Los Angeles County Office of Education Teacher of the Year Awards luncheon (Photo: SPUSD)
Jennifer Velez Simon, South Pasadena Unified School District’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, has been named one of the top 16 teachers in Los Angeles County.
By News Desk
Simon received the honor during the 45th annual Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year ceremony Friday, Sept. 25, at the Universal Hilton Hotel. Her selection makes her a finalist for Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year.
The countywide competition included 72 teachers representing school districts throughout Los Angeles County. Finalists were selected through a rigorous process that included essay and lesson-plan submissions, evidence of innovative teaching practices, and interviews.
Simon has taught first and fourth grade at Arroyo Vista Elementary School since 2021. Principal Emily Blaney praised Simon’s dedication to her students and the broader school community.
“She is fiercely dedicated to nurturing the whole child and supporting our entire school community with creativity and empathy,” Blaney said.
Each year, South Pasadena Unified recognizes outstanding Teachers of the Year at school sites throughout the district. The program highlights excellence in teaching and honors educators for their care, compassion, innovation, and professional commitment. The county competition is recognized as the largest of its kind in the nation.
In addition to Simon, SPUSD recognized the following 2026 Teachers of the Year:
- Cecily Phalen-Bartolome, Marengo Elementary School, fourth grade
- Janet Lim, Monterey Hills Elementary School, transitional kindergarten
- Ani Atoyan, South Pasadena Middle School, English
- Dave Baughman, South Pasadena High School, special education
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