A Galt High School teacher has been named one of two 2027 Sacramento County Teachers of the Year.

Maria Rugama, a ninth- through 12th-grade English and English language development teacher at Galt High School, was selected for the honor along with Mary Linden, a kindergarten teacher at Arthur S. Dudley Elementary School in the Center Joint Unified School District.

The Sacramento County Office of Education announced the honorees Friday evening during its annual countywide teacher recognition ceremony.

Rugama and Linden were selected from 16 district Teachers of the Year nominated by local school districts. Both will advance to the statewide competition, where five California Teachers of the Year will be announced in October.

Following the announcement, Sacramento County Board of Education Vice President Vanessa Caigoy presented both winners with the Elinor Lincoln Hickey Award of Merit, the board’s highest honor. The Sacramento Scottish Rite also presented perpetual trophies as part of a longstanding community tradition.

At Galt High, Rugama is described as a compassionate advocate for her students who works to overcome language barriers and support the whole child. She has restructured English language development programs, connected multilingual and migrant families with community resources, and created a supportive classroom environment.

From greeting students at the door to celebrating academic milestones, Rugama emphasizes building strong, trusting relationships.

“I see education, specifically the humanities, as a powerful tool for teaching empathy and critical thinking,” Rugama said.

Rugama also mentors new teachers, connects families with community resources and coaches the school’s Speech and Debate team.

Her work, according to her profile provided by the county, demonstrates how educators can combine support and empathy to help students build confidence and resilience.

Throughout the 2026-27 school year, all district Teachers of the Year will be recognized at local events, including special honoree games hosted by the Sacramento Kings, Sacramento River Cats and Sacramento Republic FC.