In addition to announcing the 2025-26 Teachers of the Year, IUSD announced four Teachers of Promise. This annual honor goes to first or second-year instructors who go above and beyond, while demonstrating professional curiosity and an unbridled enthusiasm for teaching.
This year’s four Teachers of Promise are representative of all the first or second-year teachers, and were recognized in front of their students, family members and peers. They will be formally honored on April 30 at the Excellence in Teaching Awards program.
Christina Gillespie – Elementary School Teacher of Promise
Christina Gillespie, fifth-grade teacher at Stonegate Elementary School, came to Stonegate with a "go-getter" personality. She immediately jumped into the classroom with confidence and did not hesitate to take on leadership roles within the 5th-grade team and in the community. Christina creates strong, positive relationships with her students and meets every learner at their level. Her instructional practices are stellar, attending to unique student needs. Christina demonstrates exceptional follow-through on student goals and targets, always exhibiting thoroughness in her work.
Her driven yet humorous personality is a fantastic combination. Beyond the classroom, she actively contributes to a positive school culture. As a member of the social committee, Christina has fostered greater community by intentionally blending upper and lower levels at social events and adding fun conversation starters in the staff lounge. She also shows her appreciation for the administrative team by leaving friendly notes for the front office staff. Her commitment extends beyond the school day, as she attends all after-school events to help empower students.
Emily Manton – Elementary School Teacher of Promise
Emily Manton, fourth-grade teacher at Solis Park, is a natural educator who connects deeply with her students and makes every learning moment count. She shines in her ability to know what each child needs, effectively using data from exit tickets and observations to individualize instruction. Emily led her grade level in implementing a dynamic, shared instructional model where students rotated for targeted support, boosting both learning and engagement. This model also provided enrichment for advanced learners. Her fourth-grade classroom is a vibrant, inclusive community where she excels at teaching complex concepts.
Beyond academics, Emily helps her students to explore essential skills through literature and active listening. Her strong reflective practice means she is constantly evolving, maintaining a student-centered space where every learner feels seen, supported, and ready to take on a challenge.
Andrea Barrientos – Middle School Teacher of Promise
Andrea Barrientos, Education Specialist at Sierra Vista Middle School, supports students, staff and programs immensely. She connects well with colleagues, is an advocate for her students, and works to advance Sierra Vista’s EDI focus on campus. Andrea has quickly become a radiant presence on Sierra Vista’s campus. She is a teacher whose classroom is more than a place of learning; it’s a safe place for students.
Andrea is a driving force for inclusion and equity, developing staff professional development, organizing school-wide events like Abilities Awareness Day, and bridging the gap between teacher and student groups to foster a truly student-centered culture of belonging. Her dedication to inclusion is evident in the powerful Reading Buddies partnership she created with the Moderate/Severe classes, uniting students of all abilities weekly to read, connect, build friendships, and strengthen literacy skills. She is an invaluable resource to the special education department, tirelessly equipping teachers with essential tools and strategies for student success. Her infectious energy uplifts those around her as she commits to nurturing both the emotional well-being and intellectual growth of her students.
Evelyn Pohle – High School Teacher of Promise
Portola High School Math Teacher Evelyn Pohle shows an exceptional commitment that is truly rare. She teaches a diverse course load, including AP Calculus AB, Math I, and Co-teach Double Block Math I. Evelyn is the Math I Level Lead, guiding seven teachers, many of whom are longtime teachers. In the classroom, Evelyn utilizes cutting-edge, student-centered strategies. She expertly leads rigorous instruction where students are highly engaged and able to master complex content. She consistently creates a supportive, high-access learning environment by incorporating student self-evaluation and ensuring every student interacts multiple times through varied grouping strategies.
Her leadership extends to her role as Freshman Girls Volleyball Coach, where she handles situations with maturity, grace, and profound care for all students, setting a powerful example for handling adversity. Her passion is infectious; she models a love of learning and empowers student growth by normalizing challenges and fostering peer-to-peer discussions using a variety of tools. She is a true asset to Portola High School.
Join us in congratulating these outstanding teachers!