IN OCTOBER, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond named five exceptional educators as the 2025 California Teachers of the Year. All are CTA members.
The educators are ambassadors of the profession and serve as representatives of the state for the calendar year.
Thurmond noted that they have had a tremendous impact in their schools, with their students and in their communities, highlighting their dedication, innovation and hard work.
“These remarkable teachers have a lasting impact on their students, equipping them with the skills needed for success.
They serve as an inspiration and exemplify the exceptional work happening in California schools,” he said.
The Teachers of the Year
Kristen LoPrell, Grossmont Education Assn., is a high school mathematics and AP Calculus teacher at Grossmont High School in El Cajon.
Robert Mauger, Corona Norco Teachers Assn., is a high school Career and Technical Education transportation automotive teacher at Corona High School in Corona.
Nicholas Westfall, United Teachers Los Angeles, is a high school physical education teacher at Alexander Hamilton Senior High School in Los Angeles.
Arby Jean Wolkov, United Teachers Los Angeles, is a high school American Sign Language teacher at William Howard Taft Charter High School in Woodland Hills.
Matthew Winheim, Palmdale Elementary Teachers Assn., is a middle school STEM aviation and mathematics teacher at Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy in Palmdale.
Thurmond nominated Winheim as California’s representative for 2025 National Teacher of the Year. Winheim will compete against other state nominees; the
winner will be announced in the spring.
Presented by the California Department of Education (CDE) and supported by the California Teachers of the Year Foundation, the California Teachers of the Year Program began in 1972 to honor outstanding teachers and encourage and inspire new teachers to enter the profession.
County offices of education nominate California Teachers of the Year applicants through their county-level competitions. The CDE selection committees review applications, evaluate teachers’ rapport with students, classroom environments, presentation skills, and teaching techniques, and interview the teachers. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction then selects the five California Teachers of the Year and the National Teacher of the Year nominee. For more information, visit cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/ct.
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