(L-R) Associate Superintendent of Instructional Services Christiane Gervais, Superintendent Angela Elizondo Baxter, Arroyo Vista First Grade Teacher and SPUSD Teacher of the Year Emily Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Judy Correnti, and Arroyo Vista Principal Emily Blaney (Photo -SPUSD)
Emily Smith, a first-grade teacher at Arroyo Vista Elementary School, has been named the 2025 Teacher of the Year for the South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) and recognized as one of the top 16 educators in Los Angeles County.
By News Desk
Emily Smith was honored during the Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year ceremony, held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Universal Hilton Hotel. As a result of this distinction, she advanced as a finalist for the Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year award.
This year’s countywide competition featured 70 outstanding educators representing school districts from across the region. Candidates were evaluated through a rigorous selection process that included essay and lesson plan submissions, teaching demonstrations, and panel interviews.
“First grade teacher Emily Smith creates a learning environment that is peaceful and energetic,” said Arroyo Vista Principal Emily Blaney. “She works with light, texture, color, and her incredible imagination to create a magical classroom space for her students. Mrs. Smith is a lifelong learner herself, and she brings what she learns to the classroom for the students’ benefit.”
Each year, SPUSD recognizes exceptional educators at every school site for their compassion, creativity, and dedication to student success. The Teacher of the Year program, part of a national initiative to celebrate excellence in education, is the largest competition of its kind in the United States.
In addition to Smith, the 2025 SPUSD Teachers of the Year are:
- Rachael Wong, Marengo Elementary School
- Sarah Howard, Monterey Hills Elementary School
- Annie Schaumleffel, South Pasadena Middle School
- Sean Regan, South Pasadena High School
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