TONIGHT: 200+ SD UNIFIED EDUCATORS, STAFF, AND VOLUNTEERS TO BE HONORED AT THE INAUGURAL STARS IN EDUCATION CEREMONY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Media Contact: James Canning, jcanning@sandi.net, 313-580-2845                                     

 

200+ SD UNIFIED EDUCATORS, STAFF, AND VOLUNTEERS TO BE HONORED AT THE INAUGURAL STARS IN EDUCATION CEREMONY

District Brings Together 2026 Teachers of the Year, Classified Employees of the Year, and Volunteers of the Year Under One Celebration at the May 20th Ceremony

 

SAN DIEGO (MAY 20, 2026) – San Diego Unified School District will honor more than 200 outstanding educators, classified employees, and volunteers during its inaugural Stars in Education Celebration on May 20, recognizing the individuals whose dedication, compassion, and service help shape the lives of students across the district.

 

The district employs nearly 6,900 educators across 175 schools and serves about 95,000 students. This year’s celebration will recognize the district’s 2026 Teachers of the Year, Classified Employees of the Year, Volunteers of the Year, and school-site honorees whose work reflects San Diego Unified’s commitment to student wellness, academic excellence, and college and career readiness.

“This celebration is about recognizing the extraordinary people who make our schools places of learning, belonging, and opportunity for students every single day,” said Dr. Fabi Bagula, Superintendent of San Diego Unified School District. “Education is rooted in relationships, care, and service, and our teachers, classified staff, and volunteers continually go above and beyond to support students not only academically, but emotionally and personally as well. Their work helps prepare our students to lead choice-filled lives, and we are deeply grateful for the heart, passion, and dedication they bring to our school communities.”

In previous years, the district held separate recognition events for Teachers of the Year, Classified Employees of the Year, and Volunteers of the Year. This year marks the first time all honorees will be celebrated together under one event to recognize the collective impact of San Diego Unified’s “Stars in Education.”

The Stars in Education Celebration will take place on May 20 at 5:00 p.m. at the Wilson Middle School Theater. The event will honor districtwide winners, runners-up, and site-level educators and volunteers:   

• Three District Teachers of the Year Winners – Elementary School Teacher of the Year: Carinne Daley,  3^rd grade multi subject, Freese Elementary School; Middle School Teacher of the Year: Michelle Rennick, 6^th grade ELA and Social Studies, Standley Middle School; and High School Teacher of the Year: Noel Pomerleau,  10^th-12^th PE and CCTE, Point Loma High School
• Three Runners-Up for District Teachers of the Year – Runner-up for Elementary School Teacher of the Year: Kristen Hurst, UTK-5^th grade VAPA and Science Prep Teacher, Carver Elementary School; Runner-Up for Middle School Teacher of the Year: Emma Ehrlich, 6^th-8^th ELD/ALD/ART, Montgomery Middle School; and Runner-up for High School Teacher of the Year: Stacy Williams, Adult Transition for students with mild/mod support needs, TRACE.
• 2026 San Diego Unified Classified Employees of the Year – Amanda Courtney, Admin Assistant I, Mira Mesa High School, Unit: CSEA/OTBS; Wendolyn Ruiz-Javier, Paraeducator Independence Facilitator (PIF), Knox Middle School, Unit: CSEA/PARA; Sam Siu, Custodian, Hickman Elementary School, Unit: CSEA/OSS.
• 2026 San Diego Unified Volunteers of the Year – Dr. Suresh Menon, EB Scripps Elementary, District A; Julie Wood & Rachel Lawson, Hearst Elementary, District B; Lilly Higman, Mission Bay High, District C; Pam Horsley, Florence Elementary, District D, Margarita Ibarra Molina, Mann Middle, District E.

 

In addition, Stacy Williams, an Adult Transition teacher at TRACE who supports students with mild to moderate support needs, has been named one of the 2026–27 San Diego County Teachers of the Year. This prestigious recognition honors educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication to student success, innovation in teaching, and a deep commitment to supporting students both academically and personally. Williams’ recognition reflects the extraordinary work happening across San Diego Unified classrooms every day.

Visit SanDiegoUnified.org to learn more.

 

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James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org