CONCORD, CA — Corey Spainhower, a science teacher at Liberty High School in the Liberty Union High School District, and Kaitlin Marchesi, a special education teacher at Vista Virtual Academy in the West Contra Costa Unified School District, have been named the 2025-2026 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year. Their recognition took place during the 53rd Annual Teachers of the Year Celebration, held at the Hilton Concord on Thursday, Sept. 4. Both now advance to the California State Teachers of the Year competition.
The event was made possible through generous support from Corporate Sponsor Travis Credit Union, and Visionary Sponsors Lesher Community Foundation and Martinez Refinery Company. A total of 22 teachers representing 17 school districts, the Contra Costa Community College District, and the Contra Costa County Office of Education were recognized for their outstanding contributions.
“This annual event is one I eagerly anticipate because it brings together dozens of passionate educators whose work in the classroom directly shapes the futures of students across Contra Costa County,” County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “The two winners represent the teaching excellence and dedication found in schools throughout our region. Corey Spainhower is a beacon for inspiring girls in science and expanding access to AP Chemistry for underrepresented students. Kaitlin Marchesi exemplifies what it means to be a transformative special education teacher—she builds meaningful connections with students of all abilities, meets them where they are, helps them thrive, and never gives up on them.
“We are proud they will represent this county’s public school educators at the state level and throughout this community.”
Images by Contra Costa County Office of Education
About Corey Spainhower
With over 24 years of teaching experience, Corey Spainhower holds a master’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Saint Joseph and is a graduate of Abilene Christian University. She serves as Science Department Chair at Liberty High School and teaches Chemistry at Los Medanos College. Her course repertoire includes Chemistry, Biology, Forensics, and AP Chemistry.
Spainhower’s teaching philosophy centers on “STEM for All.” She recalls being one of only two women in her undergraduate program and the sole woman in her research lab. Her mission is to highlight diverse scientific contributions and help students see themselves as scientists.
Her hands-on approach and dedication have significantly expanded her AP Chemistry program. She fosters empathy and kindness in the classroom and actively organizes science fairs, field trips, and community events. Spainhower also brings science demonstrations to elementary and middle schools to spark early interest in STEM and promote access to higher education.
About Kaitlin Marchesi
Kaitlin Marchesi earned her master’s degree in Special Education from Loyola Marymount University and holds a BA in Business Administration from California State University, East Bay. Her journey into special education began unexpectedly during her time as a substitute teacher, where she discovered a passion for working with students with disabilities—especially those on the autism spectrum.
“J, the student with autism, made me a better teacher,” said Marchesi. “When he arrived, he couldn’t read, but by the end of the year, he was reading at a 3rd grade level and nearly on grade level in math. J inspired me to do more for students who needed a teacher to believe in their potential.”
Marchesi has spent 17 years in education, currently serving as both Special Education Teacher and Lead Teacher at Vista Virtual Academy. She specializes in grades 7–12 and is known for creating inclusive, equitable learning environments. Her community involvement includes organizing book drives and partnering with local organizations such as Milo, Urban Tilth, and Richmond Build.
Finalists and Next Steps
Spainhower and Marchesi were selected from a pool of four finalists. The other finalists included Dima Khoury of Neil Armstrong Elementary (San Ramon Valley Unified School District) and Rosa Martinez Ocasio of Foothill Elementary (Pittsburg Unified School District).
Both honorees will now represent Contra Costa County in the California State Teacher of the Year competition, with statewide winners 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.
Livestream Link: https://youtube.com/live/nROiNTcEPc8?feature=share
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 169,394 students). Officially established in 1932, CCCOE has a long history of providing direct services to some of the 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 287 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
