The Encinitas Union School District (EUSD) recently announced that La Costa Heights Elementary School fifth grade teacher Katie Andan has been named a 2026 San Diego County Teacher of the Year. There are more than 20,000 teachers in San Diego County, and Andan was selected as one of just five educators to receive this prestigious recognition.
San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza presented Andan with the award May 14 during a surprise schoolwide assembly. While these announcements are often made directly in a recipient’s classroom, Andan’s impact extends far beyond her own students, making the entire school community part of the celebration, according to a news release.
During the announcement, the news release said that Ciriza praised Andan’s dedication, saying, “We know you pour your heart and soul into your work. And for that, I can’t wait to share you not only with the rest of the county, but with the rest of the state.”
Andan has 20 years of classroom experience and has taught 5th grade at La Costa Heights for the last 12 years. Drawing from a teaching career that spans the globe, Andan showcases different perspectives and helps her students understand and practice empathy. At the end of each school day, Andan 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, the news release stated.
“Her classroom is a place where passionate, curious learners thrive because she has a natural ability to recognize each student’s strengths and help them grow into even more confident and capable individuals,” said LCH Principal Heidi Galassi in the news release. “Katie is especially gifted at supporting students of all levels; she takes the time to understand their individual needs, builds them up with compassion and confidence, and helps them discover strategies that work for them both academically and personally. She is the kind of teacher every student deserves and every school hopes to have.”
A former student shared in the news release: “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.”
Andan is a strong advocate for hands-on learning experiences and empowering students to use their voices. As part of the fifth-grade civics unit, every other year she and her teammates organize a trip to Sacramento where students lobby in support of a bill or present a legislative bill of their own creation. Together, students choose a topic they are passionate about, conduct extensive research over several months, and ultimately present to lawmakers during the legislative session.
In 2025, students authored a bill on creating more inclusive playgrounds for students of all abilities, naming it the California Inclusive Playgrounds Act (CIPA). After studying the Americans with Disabilities Act, surveying their own campus, visiting inclusive playgrounds, and consulting with local and national experts, their work culminated in a trip to the California State Capitol, where they presented their proposal to Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner and Sen. Catherine Blakespear, the news release stated.
Their efforts recently reached an exciting milestone. On Feb. 19, Assemblymember Boerner officially introduced the Inclusive Playground Act Bill, AB 2241, as part of the current California legislative session. The bill reflects months of student-led research, collaboration and advocacy, made possible through the guidance and dedication of Andan and her fellow fifth grade teachers, who consistently go above and beyond to create meaningful opportunities for students.
This achievement is just one example of Andan’s lasting impact as an educator. Beyond her exceptional instructional skills, she fosters a culture of belonging and encourages students and colleagues alike to become compassionate, empowered learners capable of making a difference in the world.
“Katie leads by example,” said EUSD Superintendent Dr. Andrée Grey in the news release. “ She teaches students not only how to succeed academically, but how to positively contribute to the world with empathy, confidence, integrity, and purpose. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom, and our entire community is better because of her leadership and heart. We are so fortunate to have her in EUSD, and I am thrilled she is being recognized for the impact she has made in our district and the community. “
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 the impact they have had on their students this year and over the course of their careers.