PLEASANT HILL, Calif. — On Thursday, March 5, 2026, outstanding educators from Contra Costa County’s 18 school districts, the County Office of Education, and the community college district were celebrated at a special reception launching the county’s 2026–27 Teachers of the Year (TOY) program.
The 22 honored teachers represent the best of more than 7,300 education professionals serving students across public schools and community colleges throughout the county. Each has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to teaching, learning, and student success. These educators now move forward in the selection process to name two Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year.
“Congratulations to these exceptional educators who are igniting curiosity and a passion for learning in classrooms across our county,” said Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey. “This recognition reflects years of dedication, creativity, and contagious energy that makes these teachers stand out in their school communities. I look forward to visiting their classrooms to personally thank each teacher for the unwavering commitment they bring to students daily.”
Now in its 54th year, the Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year program continues a proud tradition of recognizing educators whose work elevates the profession and strengthens public education throughout the region.
In April, a selection committee will review applications and identify four finalists. In September, during the 54th Annual Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year celebration, two county winners will be announced. Tickets for the celebration will be available in the spring, and community donations to support the program are welcome.
The two county honorees advance to compete in the California State Teacher of the Year program, a significant professional milestone that recognizes teaching excellence statewide.
Coordinated by the Contra Costa County Office of Education, the county Teachers of the Year competition uses a four-stage selection process with a point and percentage-based scoring system. The process includes an initial screening of district Teachers of the Year applications, followed by classroom observations and interviews. Finalists also deliver a three- to five-minute speech to a panel of judges, sharing their teaching philosophies, instructional approaches, and personal journeys in education.
To be eligible for the county or state Teacher of the Year title, candidates must be fully credentialed teachers currently employed to teach any pre-kindergarten through grade 12 curriculum to children or adults, have completed eight years of teaching, and be employed full-time or as long-term substitutes with teaching as their primary responsibility.
2026-2027 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Nominees:
- Julee HendersonAcalanes Union High School District, Acalanes High School
- Arielle Foley,Antioch Unified School District, Black Diamond Middle School
- Rebecca St. Michel, Brentwood Union SD, Brentwood Elementary School
- Kimberly BerryByron Union School District, Timber Point Elementary School
- Destiny Castellanos, CCCOE Student Programs, Multiple School Sites
- Angie Goularte, John Swett USD, Rodeo Hills Elementary School
- Noelle Gould, Knightsen Elementary SD, Knightsen Elementary School
- Melissa Johnston,Lafayette School District, Spring Hill Elementary School
- Stephen Apel, Liberty Union High School District, Freedom High School
- Katie Collins, Martinez Unified School District, Martinez Junior High School
- Christina Mignano, Moraga School District, Los Perales Elementary School
- April Saldivar, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Shore Acres Elementary School
- Mary Acebu, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Riverview Middle School
- Wendy Perry, Oakley Union Elementary SD, Geheringer Elementary School
- Stephanie Sado, Orinda Union ESD, Wagner Ranch Elementary School
- Evette Evers-Threatt, Pittsburg USD, Martin Luther King Jr. Junior High School
- Austin Glimme, San Ramon Valley USD, Vista Grande Elementary School
- Wally Bean, San Ramon Valley USD, Windemere Ranch Middle School
- Brittany Forrette, Walnut Creek School District, Parkmead Elementary School
- Benjamin Carpenter, West Contra Costa USD, Kennedy High School
- Carolyn Landau, West Contra Costa USD, Kensington Elementary School
- Aaron Prater, Contra Costa County CC District, Diablo Valley College
Notes regarding eligible participants:
- 17 of the 18 Contra Costa County school districts (and CCCOE) are participating in this year’s TOY program.
- Each year, one instructor from Contra Costa Community College District is submitted to the TOY program for their outstanding body of work with their designated college. The colleges rotate each year between Diablo Valley, Los Medanos, and Contra Costa. These instructors do not compete in the State Teacher of the Year competition but will be recognized at the Contra Costa County Teacher or the Year Celebration.
- Mt. Diablo, San Ramon Valley, and West Contra Costa unified school districts are permitted to submit two TOY candidates due to the large number of students and teachers they serve.
For more information on the Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year program or to donate, visit cocoschools.org/toy. Follow CCCOE on social media at @cocoschools.
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 169,261 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.
