Sixteen educators across Los Angeles County have been honored as the 2025-26 Teachers of the Year, a prestigious award recognizing their exceptional dedication and impact on students. The group includes teachers from the Alhambra, Monrovia, Burbank, Glendale, South Pasadena, and Temple City school districts.
The announcement was made during a ceremony at the Universal Hilton Hotel, celebrating educators who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to academic excellence and student well-being. These teachers were selected from a competitive pool of 70 nominees representing 65 school districts.
Key Takeaways
- Sixteen public school teachers in Los Angeles County were named 2025-26 Teachers of the Year.
- Honorees from Alhambra, Monrovia, South Pasadena, Burbank, Glendale, and Temple City were among those recognized.
- The winners were chosen from 70 nominees across 65 school districts in the county.
- Each recognized teacher received a $1,000 cash award and will advance to the California Teacher of the Year competition.
A Competitive and Prestigious Honor
The Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year program is considered the largest and most prominent recognition initiative for public school teachers in the United States. The selection process is rigorous, aiming to identify educators who have made a significant difference in the lives of their students.
According to officials, the program highlights teachers who excel in fostering academic, personal, and emotional growth. The 16 winners now serve as ambassadors for the education profession, representing the more than 73,000 teachers working in the county.
"Their dedication, innovation, and love of learning inspire students every day and strengthen the fabric of our communities," said Dr. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools.
Spotlight on Local Educators
Among the sixteen honorees, six teachers from local communities were celebrated for their unique contributions to education. Their work spans various subjects and grade levels, from elementary school to high school career training.
Christina Kwon Loose, Alhambra
A 7th-grade English and Social Studies teacher at Martha Baldwin Elementary, Christina Kwon Loose has 15 years of experience. She is recognized for teaching essential life skills, including emotional management and empathy, alongside her core subjects. A former student noted, "Mrs. Loose was there for me when I needed her the most."
Heather Povinelli, Monrovia
With 22 years of experience, Heather Povinelli teaches second grade at Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy. She was praised for her resilience and dedication after a fire forced her to move her classroom. An administrator highlighted her ability to quickly establish a new, welcoming environment where her students continued to succeed academically and emotionally.
Emily Smith, South Pasadena
Emily Smith, a first-grade teacher at Arroyo Vista Elementary, has been teaching for 18 years. Her classroom is known for its focus on building a strong sense of community and empowering students. A parent described her approach, stating, "Mrs. Smith embraces each child, not as a challenge to overcome but as a learner to honor."
Diverse Expertise Recognized
The 2025-26 honorees teach a wide range of subjects, including English, science, visual arts, and career technical education, showcasing the diverse talent within LA County's public schools.
Kara Clark, Burbank
Kara Clark teaches photography and yearbook at John Burroughs High School. In her nine years as an educator, she has made a significant impact in Career and Technical Education (CTE). One student credited Clark with saving their life by helping them discover a passion for photography that shaped their future aspirations.
Marylou Escobar, Glendale
A veteran educator with 38 years of experience, Marylou Escobar is a kindergarten teacher in the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program at John Muir Elementary. She creates a nurturing environment where young students learn in both English and Spanish. An administrator noted that her students are immersed in a "rich bilingual experience within a learning space filled with love and care."
Lacey Scanlan, Temple City
Lacey Scanlan is a visual and performing arts teacher at Emperor Elementary with nine years of experience. Her theater and dance classes are described as a joyful and safe space for students to explore their creativity. Through her guidance, students develop artistic skills, build confidence, and learn self-expression.
The Path to National Recognition
The Teacher of the Year program operates at multiple levels. After the county-level awards, the 16 honorees advance to the state competition. Five educators will be selected as California Teachers of the Year, and one of those will proceed to represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
Next Steps for the Honorees
The journey for these 16 educators is far from over. They will now advance to the California Teachers of the Year competition, a statewide contest that further narrows the field. From that group, five individuals will be chosen to represent California's educators.
Ultimately, one of the state finalists will be selected to compete for the prestigious National Teacher of the Year title. Each of the Los Angeles County winners received a $1,000 cash prize in recognition of their achievement and will continue to be seen as leaders and role models in the education community.
