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GIVESix Outstanding CSUDH Alumni Honored as 2026 Teachers and Rookies of the Year
At CSUDH College of Education, we pride ourselves on producing the best teachers in the world. Grounded in deep commitment to student success, our graduates do not just teach, they advocate, innovate, and lead.
This year, six exceptional Toro alumni have been recognized with prestigious听2026 Teacher of the Year听and听2026 Rookie of the Year听awards from major California school districts. Their incredible achievements reflect the world-class preparation and supportive mentorship that define the CSUDH experience.
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Anna Soffer | Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Teacher of the Year
Anna Soffer, an alumna of our M.A. in School Leadership program who earned her Preliminary Administrative Services Credential in 2022, was named one of LAUSD鈥檚 2026 Teachers of the Year. A 6th-grade English and LA History teacher at Thomas Starr King Middle School ESTEAM Magnet in LAUSD鈥檚 Region West, Soffer is a passionate educator who even designed a semester-long LA History elective adopted by the district in 2023.
To read more on Soffer鈥檚 journey, read more here:
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Wade Paul Morgan | San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) Site Teacher of the Year
In San Diego, Wade Paul Morgan听was selected by his peers as Hamilton Elementary School's 2026 Site Teacher of the Year. Morgan, who earned his single-subject teaching credential in mathematics and his M.A. in Education: Curriculum & Instruction from CSUDH in spring 2021, teaches 5th-grade math in City Heights.
To read more on Morgan鈥檚 journey, read more here:
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Jesus Ramirez | LAUSD Rookie of the Year
Recognized for his exemplary work during his very first year in the classroom,听Jesus Ramirez听was named an LAUSD 2026 Rookie of the Year. After earning his single-subject teaching credential in Mathematics in spring 2025, Ramirez stepped directly into the classroom as a high school Algebra 1 teacher at the Humanities and Arts (HArts) Academy of Los Angeles at Narbonne in Harbor City.
To read more on Ramirez's journey, read more here:
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Karlan Arenas | LAUSD Rookie of the Year
Representing LAUSD鈥檚 Region West, Karlan Arenas听was named a 2026 Rookie of the Year for her exceptional work at the UCLA Community School in Koreatown. Arenas, who graduated in spring 2024 with a B.A. in Liberal Studies: Educating Children with Disabilities option, teaches a 9鈥�12 high school Special Day Class for students with Moderate/Severe Intellectual Disabilities.
To read more on Arenas's journey, read more here:
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Melissa Zuno | LAUSD Rookie of the Year
Serving LAUSD's Region East,听Melissa Zuno听received the 2026 Rookie of the Year award for her incredible dedication as a TK-1st grade Special Day Class (Autism Core) teacher at Ascot Avenue Elementary School in South Los Angeles. Zuno earned her B.A. in Liberal Studies: Educating Children with Disabilities in spring 2025 and is currently completing her Special Education Mild/Moderate Support Needs credential at CSUDH.
To read more on Zuno's journey, read more here:
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Latrese Martinez | Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Teacher of the Year
Serving LAUSD's Region South, Latrese Martinez, an alumna of our M.A. in Education Curriculum & Instruction program who earned her Master鈥檚 in 1998, was named one of LAUSD鈥檚 2026 Teachers of the Year. An elementary teacher at Wilmington Park Elementary School.
To view more on Martinez profile, read more here:
Producing the Best Teachers to Serve California Districts
These six extraordinary educators represent the heart and soul of the College of Education. Whether they are crafting innovative district curricula, advocating for students with disabilities, or fostering strong partnerships with communities, our Toros are transforming lives every single day.
Congratulations to our 2026 Teachers and Rookies of the Year!
Are you ready to make a difference in California's classrooms? Explore our听CSUDH College of Education Programs听today!