An Escondido kindergarten teacher was one of five exceptional educators named by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond as the 2026 California Teachers of the Year.
Corina Martinez, a kindergarten teacher at Pioneer Elementary School in the Escondido Union School District, is not just passionate about supporting her students to learn — she’s driven to make sure that they have every support they need to arrive at school every day.
Martinez has built a legacy of leadership and partnership with community organizations at her school site by building programs that support students’ social and emotional learning. She is passionate about tackling chronic absenteeism by building real solutions in partnership with families.
Her gift is ensuring that each student feels individually supported and seen, tailoring her interactions to the unique needs of each student, particularly those who are struggling.
One mother of several of Martinez’s students said, “You can feel the love in everything Corina does, and that kind of care is something you never forget. She doesn’t just teach, she wraps your whole family in love.”
Thurmond praised the five outstanding educators and highlighted their commitment to inspiring students every day. “These extraordinary educators represent the very best of our public schools and remind us that great teaching can change and strengthen entire communities,” he said.
The state also named four finalists for teacher of the year, including Gregory Hinchliff, who teaches multiple subjects at Bonsall High School in Bonsall Unified School District.
Hinchliff exemplifies what it means to be a transformational educator, always putting students, their lived experiences, and culturally responsive instruction at the center of everything he does, from classroom activities to statewide advocacy. He teaches Spanish, English, social studies, Native American studies, and speech and debate. He builds partnerships with local tribes, universities, and civic groups, and he co-wrote the state’s Native American Studies Model Curriculum.
“Our county, our students, and our families are better because of these incredible educators in our classrooms, who ensure our young people can truly thrive in school and in life,” said Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, San Diego County superintendent of schools. “When our students feel seen, heard, valued, and loved, then they are able to be brave in their learning and growth. This is what these two educators excel at and what we can all learn from.”
The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) coordinates the local nomination and application process for the state program. This year, all the district nominees were celebrated with an August event presented by Cox Communications in partnership with SDCOE and sponsored by the San Diego County Credit Union. The California Department of Education selection committees review applications; evaluate teachers’ rapport with students, classroom environments, presentation skills, and teaching techniques; and interview the teachers to select the finalists.
Presented by the California Department of Education and supported by the California Teachers of the Year Foundation, the California Teachers of the Year program began in 1972 to honor outstanding teachers and encourage and inspire new teachers to enter the profession.