Most of us can point to a teacher who changed our lives — someone who saw us clearly and believed in what we could become.
For me, that teacher was Donald Geisinger. As a newly adopted Vietnamese orphan in a wheelchair and still learning English, I struggled to find my footing. In sixth grade, Mr. Geisinger told me not to worry about any of that. Instead, he encouraged me to give oral presentations.
That invitation changed everything. I gained confidence, improved my English and discovered a love of public speaking. A few years later, I spoke in Washington, D.C., representing youth with disabilities — all because a teacher believed in me.
Last week, I had the privilege of celebrating six Orange County educators who are making that same kind of impact every day. As we surprised each of them on May 1 with the news that they’d been named 2026 Orange County Teachers of the Year, I saw that same spark — the unmistakable bond between teacher and student.
At every stop, the energy was electric. Students cheered, staff members teared up, and each honoree stood in humble disbelief. These weren’t just moments of recognition — they were powerful reminders of what can happen when a teacher truly connects with their students.
As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day on Tuesday, May 6, it’s worth pointing out that our 2026 honorees exemplify the very best of what teaching looks like across Orange County.
Tracy Havens, a second-grade teacher at Hicks Canyon Elementary in Tustin Unified, begins each day with high-fives, hugs and a Morning Meeting that sets the tone for connection and growth.
At Fullerton College, Dr. Catherine Reinhardt-Zacair introduces her French students to study abroad opportunities, internships and global experiences that expand their horizons and confidence.
Megan Lee, who teaches transitional kindergarten at Loara Elementary in Anaheim Elementary School District, builds a strong sense of community from day one — hosting family meetups, pairing students with preschool buddies and making sure every child feels seen and valued.
Jeannette Aguilera, a third-grade teacher at Centralia Elementary, draws on her experience as a first-generation college graduate to empower students through daily community circles and a focus on growth mindset.
At Ladera Vista Junior High in Fullerton, Darcy Blake uses literature and creative writing to spark empathy, voice and self-discovery — inviting students to share their stories and explore tough topics in a safe, supportive space.
And at San Clemente High School, Erin Bro has led the AVID program for over 15 years, helping first-generation college-goers gain skills, direction and belief in their ability to succeed — with a 100 percent college acceptance rate for her students.
Each of these educators was selected from a pool of district-level honorees through a thoughtful review and interview process, and they’ll be formally celebrated this fall at a gala sponsored by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union at the Disneyland Hotel.
There, each Teacher of the Year will receive a $25,000 award from the Orange County Teachers of the Year Award Foundation — a program established by the William, Jeff and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation.
They’re also now in the running for California Teacher of the Year — an honor that has gone to six Orange County teachers since 2019. That legacy speaks to the exceptional work happening in our schools every day, and this year’s honorees are clearly part of that tradition.
A lot of profound words were exchanged on May 1, but sometimes a student delivers the day’s best line. Aguilera’s third-grade class decided that if their teacher had been named Teacher of the Year, they must be the Students of the Year. One student, noting that their teacher was expecting a child, proudly added, “That’s the Baby of the Year.”
It was a joyful moment — and a reminder that teaching is about more than lessons and standards. It’s about relationships, belief and the lasting impact of a caring educator.
To this year’s Teachers of the Year: Thank you for showing up, lifting others and reminding us all of what’s possible when a teacher truly believes.