WALNUT CREEK, CALIF. — Jennifer Martinez of Pittsburg High School (Pittsburg Unified School District) and Nicole Vicknair of Bidwell High School (Antioch Unified School District) have been named the 2024-2025 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year.
Their recognition took place during the 52nd Annual Teachers of the Year Celebration, held at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek on Thursday, Sept. 19. Both will now advance to the California State Teachers of the Year competition.
The 52nd Annual Celebration was generously supported by Corporate Sponsor Travis Credit Union, along with Visionary Sponsors Chevron, Lesher Community Foundation, and Martinez Refinery Company. Some 22 teachers from 17 Contra Costa school districts, Contra Costa Community College District and Contra Costa County Office of Education were honored.
“Jennifer Martinez and Nicole Vicknair are examples of the dedication, passion, and innovative spirit that make Contra Costa County educators some of the best in the state,” Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “Their commitment to fostering creativity, building meaningful connections with students, and inspiring a love for learning truly sets them apart. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and excited to see them represent our county at the state level.”
Jennifer Martinez, a Pittsburg High alum and graduate of the University of the Pacific, discovered her passion for music at an early age. Growing up in a musically inclined family—her parents met in band class and even competed for Band Chairs—Martinez’s love for music was deeply rooted. Her high school band instructor further fueled her passion, inspiring her to pursue a career in music education. In 2006, Martinez returned to Pittsburg High to lead the band program, and over the past 18 years, she has transformed it into a thriving program with over 250 members, establishing three marching bands, four jazz bands, and four wind ensembles.
“I avoid the expectation that they all conform to the same mold,” Martinez said. “It’s important not to lose sight of the meaning behind our work, to have the courage to find different approaches, and to remember that the kindness we display is what students will remember most.”
Under her leadership, the Pittsburg High School Marching Show Band has earned numerous accolades and performed on national and international stages, including New York, London, Rome, and Spain. In 2010, she founded the Pittsburg Band Showcase, an annual event now attracting over 2,000 spectators. Her passion and attention to detail have made her a transformative force in music education in Contra Costa County.
Nicole Vicknair, a graduate of Los Medanos Community College, Chico State University, and Cal State East Bay, has made her mark at Bidwell Continuation High School in Antioch. Her teaching journey has spanned various educational settings, but over the past three years, she has discovered her true calling at Bidwell, where she has profoundly impacted both students and school culture.
“By instilling a sense of trust, treating them as adults, and making learning enjoyable, I strive to reshape their perspectives on education,” Vicknair said. “Creating a Leadership class that empowered students to shape their school experience and foster community gives me immense pride.”
Vicknair teaches 11th and 12th-grade English and serves as Bidwell’s WASC site coordinator, overseeing the school’s accreditation process. She also takes on additional roles as a Professional Development Lead, New Teacher Mentor, and Literacy Coach. Her classroom is a welcoming space, filled with vibrant colors and engaging assignments designed to captivate students who often struggle with traditional learning.
Understanding the challenges her students face, Vicknair strives to create lessons that teach self-regulation, emotional expression, empathy, and kindness. Her deep commitment to her students’ success drives her to continuously innovate and inspire.
Martinez and Vicknair were selected from four finalists announced earlier this year. The other two finalists were Kristy Candelaria of John Baldwin Elementary (San Ramon Valley Unified School District) and Michelle Goode of Del Rey Elementary (Orinda Union Elementary School District).
Martinez and Vicknair will now represent Contra Costa County in the California State Teacher of the Year competition, with winners expected to be announced in mid-October.
The Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year program is coordinated by the Contra Costa County Office of Education.
About Contra Costa County Office of Education
One of 58 counties in California, Contra Costa County has the 11th largest public-school student population in the state (approximately 169,225 students). Officially established in 1932, CCCOE has a long history of providing direct services to some of our county’s most vulnerable students, including young people who are incarcerated, homeless, or in foster care, as well as students who have severe physical or emotional challenges.
CCCOE also provides support services to schools and school districts in Contra Costa County; services that can be handled most effectively and economically on a regional basis rather than by each of the county’s 260 schools or 18 school districts. These services range from budget approval and fiscal support to technology infrastructure, communication support, and high-level professional development opportunities for educators. CCCOE maintains a website at www.cocoschools.org.
Previous Teacher of the Year
- April 19 – Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Finalists Announced
- March 13 – Contra Costa County Honors 2024 Teachers of the Year
- Feb 15 – Antioch School District Names Nicole Vicknair as Teacher of the Year
