SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today named five exceptional educators as the 2027 California Teachers of the Year, recognizing their outstanding commitment to students, schools, and communities across the state. The five educators will serve as ambassadors for the teaching profession and represent California educators throughout 2027.
“California’s Teachers of the Year represent the very best of our profession. They see the potential in every student and work each day to ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed,” Superintendent Thurmond said. “These exceptional educators are an inspiration and example of the exceptional work going on in California schools. I am proud to recognize them and grateful for the difference they are making for our students.”
Presented by the California Department of Education and supported by the California Teachers of the Year Foundation, the California Teachers of the Year Program has honored outstanding educators since 1972 and helps elevate the teaching profession and inspire the next generation of California teachers.
2027 California Teachers of the Year
Katie Andan, a fifth-grade teacher at La Costa Heights Elementary School in the Encinitas Union School District (San Diego County). Superintendent Thurmond also nominated Andan as California’s representative for the National Teacher of the Year competition. Andan will compete against other state nominees, with the 2027 National Teacher of the Year to be announced in the spring.
Gagik Galfayan, a middle school History teacher at Woodrow Wilson Middle School in the Glendale Unified School District (Los Angeles County).
Edmund Maino, a high school AP Government, Macroeconomics, Economy, and History teacher at Tehachapi High School in the Tehachapi Unified School District (Kern County).
Wendy Saldivar, a fifth-grade multiple-subject Spanish dual immersion teacher at Loara Elementary School in the Anaheim Elementary School District (Orange County).
Ashley Uraine, a high school Clinical Medical Assistant teacher at Yucaipa High School in the Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program (ROP) District (San Bernardino County).
2027 California Teachers of the Year Finalists
Four additional educators were recognized as finalists for the 2027 California Teacher of the Year:
Mark Jeffers, a high school English teacher at Mount Miguel Early College High School in the Grossmont Union High School District (San Diego County).
Kareli Rodriguez, a fifth-grade multiple-subject Spanish dual immersion teacher at Stoner Avenue Elementary School in the Los Angeles Unified School District (Los Angeles County).
Brittany Walters, a kindergarten multiple-subject teacher at Dr. Peter Marshall Elementary in the Magnolia School District (Orange County).
Stacy Williams, an Adult Transition Mild to Moderate Special Education teacher in the San Diego Unified School District (San Diego County).
County offices of education nominate California Teachers of the Year applicants through their county-level competitions. California Department of Education (CDE) selection committees review applications, evaluate candidates’ rapport with students, classroom environments, presentation skills, and teaching techniques, and interview the teachers. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction then selects the five California Teachers of the Year and California’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year.
For more information on the award program, please visit the CDE California Teachers of the Year web page. Visit the Teach California website for more information on becoming a teacher.