Golden State Today

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has announced the 2025 California Teachers of the Year. Five educators have been selected to represent the state as ambassadors for the teaching profession throughout the year. Superintendent Thurmond, who began his career in social services, expressed satisfaction in recognizing these teachers for their significant contributions to schools, students, and communities.

“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,” said Thurmond.

The program is presented by the California Department of Education (CDE) and supported by the California Teachers of the Year Foundation. It was established in 1972 to honor outstanding teachers and encourage new educators to join the profession.

Matthew Winheim, a middle school STEM Aviation and Mathematics teacher at Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy in Palmdale Unified School District, Los Angeles County, has been nominated by Superintendent Thurmond as California’s representative for the National Teacher of the Year competition. The national winner will be announced next spring.

Other honorees include Kristen LoPrell from Grossmont High School in San Diego County; Robert Mauger from Corona High School in Riverside County; Nicholas Westfall from Alexander Hamilton Senior High School; Arby Jean Wolkov from William Howard Taft Charter High School; Jesse Braun from Beverly Vista Middle School; Courtney Franz from Holly Avenue Elementary School; Jordanna Jahn from James Irvine Intermediate School; Mackenzie Levine from Perry Elementary School; Erica Lundy from Welby Way Charter Elementary and Gifted-High Ability School; and Susan Wilkinson from Marindale School.

These educators were nominated through county-level competitions before being reviewed by CDE selection committees based on criteria such as rapport with students, classroom environments, presentation skills, and teaching techniques. Ultimately, five teachers are chosen each year along with a nominee for National Teacher of the Year.

For more information about this award program or becoming a teacher, visit the CDE California Teachers of the Year web page or Teach California website.