State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2025 California Teachers of the Year

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today named five exceptional educators as the 2025 California Teachers of the Year. These educators are ambassadors of the profession and serve as representatives of the state for the calendar year. Superintendent Thurmond, who began his career as a social services worker, said he is pleased to recognize the five outstanding teachers who have had a tremendous impact in their schools, students, and communities.

Superintendent Thurmond praised the five outstanding educators named 2025 California Teachers of the Year, highlighting their dedication, innovation, and hard work. "These remarkable teachers have a lasting impact on their students, equipping them with the skills needed for success. They serve as an inspiration and exemplify the exceptional work happening in California schools,” he said.

Presented by the California Department of Education (CDE) and supported by the California Teachers of the Year Foundation, the California Teachers of the Year Program began in 1972 to honor outstanding teachers and encourage and inspire new teachers to enter the profession.

2025 California Teachers of the Year

Matthew Winheim, a middle school STEM Aviation and Mathematics teacher at Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy in the Palmdale Unified School District (Los Angeles County). Superintendent Thurmond nominated Winheim as California’s representative for the National Teacher of the Year competition. Winheim will compete against other state nominees, and the 2025 National Teacher of the Year will be announced in the spring.

Kristen LoPrell, a high school Mathematics and AP Calculus teacher at Grossmont High School in the Grossmont Union High School District (San Diego County).

Robert Mauger, a high school Career and Technical Education Transportation Automotive teacher at Corona High School in the Corona-Norco Unified School District (Riverside County).

Nicholas Westfall, a high school Physical Education teacher at Alexander Hamilton Senior High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District (Los Angeles County).

Arby Jean Wolkov, a high school American Sign Language teacher at William Howard Taft Charter High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District (Los Angeles County).

2025 California Teachers of the Year Finalists

Jesse Braun, a middle school Library, Yearbook, and Home Hospital teacher at Beverly Vista Middle School in the Beverly Hills Unified School District (Los Angeles County).

Courtney Franz, a TK to fifth-grade Special Education teacher at Holly Avenue Elementary School in the Arcadia Unified School District (Los Angeles County).

Jordanna Jahn, a seventh-grade AVID 7, ELA 7, and World History teacher at James Irvine Intermediate School in the Garden Grove Unified School District (Orange County).

Mackenzie Levine, a third- to fifth-grade mild to moderate Special Education teacher at Perry Elementary School in the San Diego Unified School District (San Diego County).

Erica Lundy, a fifth-grade multiple-subject Gifted and Highly Gifted teacher at Welby Way Charter Elementary and Gifted-High Ability School in the Los Angeles Unified School District (Los Angeles County).

Susan Wilkinson, an Early Intervention Special Education teacher at Marindale School in the Marin County Office of Education (Marin County).

County offices of education nominate California Teachers of the Year applicants through their county-level competitions. The CDE selection committees review applications, evaluate teachers’ 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 the National Teacher of the Year nominee.

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.