San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gloria Ciriza announced this week the five stellar educators who are the San Diego County Teachers of the Year for the 2026-27 school year.
The San Diego County Teachers of the Year are:
Katie Andan, a 5th grade teacher at La Costa Heights Elementary in Encinitas Union School District
Dr. Mark Jeffers, an English teacher at Mount Miguel High School in Grossmont Union High School District
Robin Larson, a visual and performing arts teacher at PRIDE Academy at Prospect Avenue in Santee School District
Mike Neumann, a visual and performing arts coordinator and film and broadcast journalism teacher at Southwest High School in Sweetwater Union High School District
Stacy Williams, a teacher at Transition Resources for Adult Community Education (TRACE) in San Diego Unified School District
The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) has coordinated the County Teacher of the Year program for more than 35 years. These district-nominated teachers completed an extensive application packet and were interviewed by a panel of judges, which consisted of representatives from SDCOE, the 9th District PTA, and districts throughout the county. The five teachers stood out for their incredible passion, dedication, and impact they have on their students this year and over the course of their careers.
“These five outstanding teachers exemplify the profound impact that dedicated educators can have on students, families, and their communities,” said Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, San Diego County superintendent of schools. “By bringing encouragement, joy, and opportunity into the lives of young people, they help students build confidence, discover their potential, and imagine brighter futures. We are honored to recognize their extraordinary leadership and commitment.”
The educators found out they were County Teachers of the Year during surprise announcements at their schools or district office on May 14 and 15. SDCOE and San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU) collaborated with their school principals to surprise the teachers in their classroom or during a school assembly as part of the new Excellence in Education program presented by SDCCU.
Excellence in Education, formerly known as Salute to Teachers, continues the tradition of celebrating the region’s outstanding educators and their impact on the nearly 500,000 students in San Diego County. SDCCU, which has been honoring teachers for many years as a presenting sponsor of Salute, now serves as partner and title sponsor, continuing their passion and commitment to supporting educators. SDCOE and SDCCU celebrated all of San Diego County’s school district teachers of the year in early May at a special event held before the judges selected the five winners.
“SDCCU congratulates the five San Diego County Teachers of the Year for their hard work and dedication to students, families, and the community,” said Teresa Campbell, SDCCU president and CEO. “As the title sponsor of the Excellence in Education event in partnership with SDCOE, we proudly support the incredible work of our local educators and celebrate the impact they’re making on today’s youth.”
About the 2026-27 San Diego County Teachers of the Year
Katie Andan, La Costa Heights Elementary
Katie Andan’s goal as a teacher is for her students to feel safe, seen, and heard – every day, and in every situation. She has taught 5th grade at La Costa Heights Elementary for the past 12 years and has 20 years of classroom experience. Drawing from a teaching career that spans the globe, Andan showcases different perspectives and helps her students understand and practice empathy.
A former student shared: “Mrs. Andan’s passion for doing the right thing is something that inspires her students every day. Because of her advocacy, our entire grade got the opportunity to visit Sacramento for three days and present a bill to the California State Senate. How many fifth graders can say they’ve done that? Not many.”
At the end of each school day, Katie hopes kids leave her classroom feeling like they contributed, learned something new, exhibited critical thinking, held themselves to high expectations, and are excited to come back the next day.
Mark Jeffers, Mount Miguel High School
Dr. Mark Jeffers wants students entering his classroom to know that he cares about them, they’re in a safe environment, and they are valued. He has taught English at Mount Miguel High School for 21 years, with a specialized commitment to helping students from historically underserved communities prepare for higher education through Mount Miguel’s Early College program.
A fellow teacher at Mount Miguel shared: “Dr. Jeffers’ leadership and his belief in students have not only created an award-winning program but have fundamentally shifted the culture of our campus, empowering students and educators alike to strive for excellence in authentic ways.”
Jeffers sets a goal of creating independent learners through collaboration, teacher engagement, critical thinking, and creativity.
Robin Larson, PRIDE Academy at Prospect Avenue
Robin Larson instills in her students the courage to create, the confidence to perform, the thoughtfulness to respond, and the desire to connect. Since 2023, Larson has taught visual and performing arts at PRIDE Academy at Prospect Avenue, following more than three decades of classroom roles.
A fellow teacher at PRIDE Academy shared: “As PRIDE Academy’s Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) teacher, she has an exceptional ability to connect with students to bring creativity to life. She cultivates a culture where students feel inspired and ready to participate. She encourages them to try new things, take musical risks, and express themselves, while making sure every student feels seen and valued.”
Larson built the school’s music and theater program from scratch, using the lessons to expand learning opportunities and encourage self-discovery.
Mike Neumann, Southwest High School, Sweetwater Union High School District
Mike Neumann is known for his inclusive, supportive classroom where he prioritizes every student feeling welcomed, valued, and heard. He began supporting underserved youth at San Diego Job Corps before joining the Sweetwater Union High School District. At San Ysidro High, he launched the school’s first Peer Mediation course before transitioning to Southwest High, where he teaches Film and Broadcast Journalism and serves as VAPA coordinator.
A current student shared: “One thing that really stands out about Mr. Neumann is how much effort he puts into making sure every student feels included and valued. He takes the time to get to know us, not just as students, but as people. Whether it’s asking about our day, checking in when someone seems off, or celebrating our achievements, he makes it clear that we matter. That kind of care creates a strong connection between him and his students.”
Neumann runs the student-produced KSOH broadcast and the Hispanic Heritage Festival through his Events Club.
Stacy Williams, Transition Resources for Adult Community Education (TRACE)
Stacy Williams builds innovative, student-centered opportunities that focus on independence, employment, and real-world experience. For the past 19 years she has been an educational specialist with Transition Resources for Adult Community Education (TRACE), working with students age 18-22 with mild to moderate support needs as they prepare for adulthood.
A colleague shared: “What sets Stacy apart is not only her compassion, but her clarity of vision. She understands that for many students, especially those with disabilities, education must be relevant, functional, and connected to real life. She has consistently centered the belief that transition-aged students deserve instruction and opportunities that prepare them for employment, independence, community participation, and adult life.”
One of William’s most impactful contributions was the creation of Babies and Beads, a student-run microenterprise supporting young parents with disabilities. William’s work reflects her belief that education should be individualized, strength-based, and responsive to the evolving needs of students.