Denise Caldera has been teaching for 18 years. She teaches bilingual kindergarten classes at Rafael Galvan Elementary. Today, she strives to create a classroom environment where all students feel safe and capable of success.
Martha Buendia has been teaching for 15 years. She teaches math at Richard King High School. She strives to be a teacher who believes in students before they believe in themselves, a teacher who challenges them to rise above self-doubt and who supports them.
The winner for each category was announced Wednesday at the press conference. Family, leadership, former Teacher of the Year winners and members of the selection committee were present to support the finalists.
More photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IiZee6rPpg9d-3FQlOB7MRUgQ4gdn8ey?usp=sharing
Watch the press conference:
Teacher of the Year winners announced
March 6, 2026