The Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) is proud to recognize its teachers' outstanding achievements and contributions through the District Teacher of the Year recognition program. This year, 31 schools submitted nominations, highlighting our educators' innovation, creativity, and success.

The site nominees were evaluated in various areas that encompass the essential qualities of an exemplary educator, including engaging and supporting all students in learning, creating effective learning environments, understanding the subject matter, planning instruction, assessing students, professional development, communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and attitude. CVESD is honored to announce the following nominees for the District Site Teacher of the Year for the 2024-25 school year. Three nominees have moved on to the county-level awards. In addition, all recipients of this distinction will be recognized at a celebratory reception in honor of their exceptional contributions to CVESD.

CVESD’s 2024-25 School Site Teachers of the Year:

• Kristen Mena - Enrique S. Camarena: Ms. Mena is an exceptional educator and mentor whose vibrant classroom, deep understanding of curriculum and standards, and dedication to student growth create a powerful learning environment. A true leader at Camarena and in CVESD, she strengthens the school community through her work with MTSS and PBIS, sharing innovative practices, building lasting relationships, and fostering campus-wide connections.
• Jo Ellen Hamilton - Chula Vista Hills: Ms. Hamilton is an exceptional educator who inspires students to reach their full potential by setting high expectations and fostering a deep love for learning. With years of experience, compassion, and an unwavering passion for education, she continues to be a dynamic and resourceful force in the classroom.
• Alejandra Sevilla – EastLake: Ms. Sevilla is a dedicated and knowledgeable educator who goes above and beyond to support both students and teachers with care, thoughtfulness, and expertise. Her deep understanding of effective strategies and assessments, especially in guiding SSTs, makes her an invaluable resource and a true asset to the school community.
• Elena Gillespie – Myrtle S. Finney: Ms. Gillespie is a passionate and dedicated educator who, for 30 years, has supported students and families with care, creativity, and exceptional communication, making the transition into elementary school a positive and engaging experience. As a respected member of the Finney community, she brings professionalism, heart, and innovation to her teaching and school involvement, enriching the lives of everyone around her.
• Giulia Longo – Harborside: Ms. Longo is a dedicated, student-centered educator whose positive outlook, strong work ethic, and solution-oriented mindset make her an invaluable support to all students and staff. Deeply invested in the Harborside community, she brings professionalism, collaboration, and a passion for growth to everything she does.
• Cindy Caballero - Hilltop Drive: Ms. Caballero is an exceptional educator who has made a lasting impact on her students, teaching both 3rd and 5th grades and continuing to inspire those she’s taught in previous years. Beyond the classroom, she actively contributes to the school community as an ILT rep, SSC member, ELPAC test examiner, and by organizing cross-grade initiatives to foster social-emotional learning for all students.
• Kimberley Pond – Fahari L. Jeffers: Ms. Pond excels at creating an inclusive and supportive environment where all students, regardless of ability or maturity level, can thrive through her innovative differentiation strategies. A dedicated champion for both military families and inclusion practices, she goes above and beyond to ensure every student feels valued and successful, making her truly deserving of recognition.
• Emma Doran – Kellogg: Ms. Doran embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator, making a profound impact on both her students and the school community by fostering a classroom environment rooted in kindness, inclusiveness, and academic excellence. Her ability to connect with each student personally, understand their unique strengths and challenges, and instill values of respect, empathy, and understanding, ensures that her students excel academically and grow as strong individuals.
• Antonio Valladolid - J. Calvin Lauderbach: Mr. Valladolid’s unwavering dedication to Lauderbach is unmatched, from founding soccer leagues to supporting tutoring across grade levels and leading a community service group. His passion for mentorship, caring nature, and commitment to fostering leadership in students leave a lasting impact, making him a truly exceptional educator who goes above and beyond for all students.
• Leticia Luna - Los Altos: Ms. Luna embodies patience, compassion, and a methodical approach to teaching, creating an enriching and structured learning environment where students thrive. Her genuine care for students' well-being and academic success, along with her collaborative spirit and willingness to support colleagues, make her a trusted and invaluable member of the school community.
• Denisse Viehmann – John J. Montgomery: Ms. Viehmann is an exceptional special education teacher whose dedication, skill, and compassion create a safe, empowering environment where all students thrive. She adapts her teaching to meet individual needs, fosters strong family partnerships, and leads her team with grace, making her a standout educator and collaborator.
• Maria Shockley – Saburo Muraoka: Ms. Shockley cultivates a vibrant and welcoming classroom where students are inspired through innovative practices and enriching opportunities. A true team player, she collaborates effortlessly with staff and colleagues to ensure every learner receives the support they need to succeed.
• Olivia Fonzi – Otay: Ms. Fonzi exemplifies excellence in teaching and is deeply committed to student success. Her ability to create an inclusive, student-centered environment, combined with her innovative instructional practices, strong communication, and unwavering dedication to both students and colleagues, makes her a true leader in education and an inspiration to all.
• Tammy Regnier – Lilian Rice: Ms. Regnier is a passionate and dedicated special education preschool teacher who is a valuable member of the school community. Her strong instructional and classroom management skills create a nurturing environment where students thrive, and her collaborative spirit and willingness to support colleagues make her a respected resource across the district.
• Jessica Lee – Greg Rogers: Ms. Lee is an exceptional mild/moderate special day teacher who expertly meets the academic needs of her diverse students while challenging them with grade-level curriculum, even as she addresses their complex social, emotional, and behavioral needs. Her unwavering dedication, heart full of love for her students, and willingness to collaborate with colleagues make her an invaluable team member.
• Michael Rafael - Fred H. Rohr: Mr. Rafael’s positive attitude, initiative, and strong collaboration with both students and staff make him a standout member of the school community. He is receptive to feedback, designs age-appropriate lessons, and is always ready to lend a helping hand, proving himself to be an invaluable asset.
• Rosanne Lewton – Rosebank: Ms. Lewton demonstrates exceptional leadership, innovation, and a strong commitment to lifelong learning, particularly for students with disabilities. She consistently goes above and beyond to create an inclusive and supportive environment where students thrive, while also inspiring her colleagues with her dedication and passion for education.
• Ana Beas - Salt Creek: Ms. Beas is an exceptional second-grade Dual Immersion teacher with a keen attention to detail in planning and designing engaging learning experiences for all students. As a member of the instructional leadership team, she leads with passion, building strong relationships with colleagues and staff while always being willing to help and support district initiatives.
• Jenny Wallace - Silver Wing: Ms. Wallace has made a lasting impact on countless students at Silver Wing, leading initiatives that enhance their learning and foster a positive school culture. Her commitment to best practices, data-driven decisions, and creating a culturally responsive classroom, along with her unwavering care, kindness, and collaborative spirit, ensures that every student is supported, empowered, and given the opportunity to succeed.
• Bradley Collins – Sunnyside: Mr. Collins is an exceptional teacher who creates a positive and engaging learning environment where students enjoy music while tackling rigorous lessons. His kindness, positivity, and dedication to meeting all students' academic needs make him a beloved member of the community, fostering strong relationships with both colleagues and parents.
• Catherine Price – Burton C. Tiffany: Ms. Price is an exceptional educator whose 30-year career, including 15 years dedicated to teaching kindergarten, has made a profound impact on students and families in the Tiffany community. Passionate, dynamic, and engaging, she creates safe, supportive learning environments, builds strong relationships, and inspires both students and colleagues to embrace a growth mindset and become the best version of themselves.
• Carisa Tovar - Valle Lindo: Ms. Tovar is an exemplary educator known for her integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to supporting students, families, and colleagues. She goes above and beyond, especially in kindergarten, to ensure that each student has a meaningful, supportive experience, providing quality instruction tailored to their unique needs.
• Linda Gomez - Valley Vista: Ms. Gomez is a dedicated and experienced educator who plays a key role in supporting both students and staff through her leadership in PD, ILT, Safety Patrol, and Safe School Ambassadors. Her unwavering commitment to fostering a positive school environment and strengthening instructional practices makes her an invaluable support system for her colleagues and a driving force behind student success.
• Joanne Adamos - Wolf Canyon: Ms. Adamos is an outstanding teacher who goes above and beyond to provide an enriching art education to all Wolf Canyon students. Her dedication, enthusiasm, and strong rapport with colleagues, families, and students culminate in a beloved community event each year, showcasing her passion for art and her commitment to both education and the community.
• Jennifer Hauss - Corky McMillin: Mrs. Hauss' enthusiasm and passion for her students shine through in everything she does. A true leader on campus, she plays a key role in guiding professional development focused on reading and vocabulary, helping both students and fellow teachers grow. Beyond the classroom, she continues to serve our school community as a dedicated member of the yearbook committee and a visible presence on campus. Her commitment, energy, and heart make her an inspiration to us all.
• Lisa Metz - Joseph Casillas: Mrs. Metz is THE definition of a team player. She's goes above and beyond to support her students and their families!
• Guadalupe Ramirez - Castle Park: Guadalupe Ramirez's unwavering dedication, compassion, and skillful teaching have made a lasting impact not only on her students, but also on the families and staff who are fortunate to work with her. Every day Guadalupe creates a safe, inclusive, and empowering learning environment where all students feel seen, supported, and capable. She demonstrates a deep understanding of her students’ individual needs and tailors her instruction to meet them where they are academically, socially, and emotionally. Her patience is matched through her creativity, and she continually finds innovative ways to help students thrive. In every sense, Guadalupe Ramirez exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding special education teacher. Her passion, professionalism, and heart make her more than deserving of this recognition.
• Araceli Mendez-Pintado - Clear View: Ms. Mendez-Pintado is an outstanding teacher leader at Clear View who creates a welcoming classroom environment where all students can thrive. Her care for students and passion for teaching are evident, and her dedication to making Clear View an exceptional school community for all make Ms. Mendez-Pintado a valuable asset at our school site.
• Shelby Gray - Thurgood Marshall: Walk into Shelby Gray's room and you will see what unconditional love, support and high expectations look like at the highest level. She is an advocate for inclusionary practices and inspires us as a staff with her commitment to all kids. She is also a great leader, humanitarian and artist who brings joy to the classroom every day.
• Shannen McKinney - Parkview: Ms. Shannen McKinney is a phenomenal special education teacher who never hesitates to support all students on our campus. She is a pillar of strength and has a wealth of knowledge for neurodiverse students. Ms. McKinney transforms students' lives with her gentle touch. She is an educator who sees potential where others may see limitations.
• Kelly Grant - Liberty: Mrs. Grant is the epitome of an educator who consistently goes above and beyond for her students. She meticulously crafts her RSP lessons to ensure every student makes progress toward their individual learning goals. Her students know deep down that she is invested in their success, and she celebrates their milestones with true excitement. Mrs. Grant’s dedication is unmatched.

As the largest elementary school district in California, our continued success would not be possible without the unwavering commitment and dedication of our incredible teachers. Congratulations to the award recipients, and we look forward to supporting your continued success!