IUSD Announces 2025-26 Teachers of the Year

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Devon Zangger, 4th-grade teacher at Solis Park School, excels at making every person feel special, loved, and cared for. Her deep understanding of teaching and standards allows her to create meaningful and innovative learning experiences. She strengthens her students' thinking abilities through her established fluency routine, number talks, and the effective writing structures she implements. Beyond the classroom, Devon attends and organizes events to help build a stronger Solis Park community, such as organizing an annual student library meet-up.

Devon is an Induction mentor, a mentor teacher, and serves on the math adoption committee. She has been a math mentor, EEDI mentor, and has presented at several Parent Outreach Workshops. As a continuous learner, Devon is constantly reinventing and improving her teaching, ensuring fair and equitable practices for all her students.

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Darren Canejo, an Education Specialist at Sierra Vista Middle School, embodies integrity, empowerment, learning, collaboration, and trust. His dedication to fostering inclusion for Extensive Support Needs (ESN) students at Sierra Vista has transformed the program and strengthened the entire school community. He uses engaging, meaningful instructional strategies to promote real-world learning and independence. Through his on-campus leadership, he successfully runs Sierra Vista’s Coffee Cart, where every ESN student develops vocational, communication, and social skills weekly as a barista. He also established the Charger Buddies program, pairing general education and ESN students three times a week for activities like games, art, and dance, fostering genuine friendships and campus-wide inclusion.

As the lead organizer for Abilities Awareness Day, Darren's work inspired department-wide lessons on empathy, diversity, and inclusion, leading to increased engagement between general education and ESN students both on campus and in the community. Darren not only uplifts his students but also inspires his colleagues. His creativity, positivity, and collaborative spirit motivate other teachers to innovate, connect, and see the potential in every student.

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Lisa Gordon, science teacher at San Joaquin Middle & High School, is an incredible leader, educator, and champion for every student she encounters. She effectively teaches a vast range of science courses spanning from 7th Grade Science/Health to the rigor of AP Biology. Lisa not only delivers content but also fosters critical thinking and intellectual independence. A master of virtual delivery, she designs presentations and creates ingenious virtual lab opportunities that replicate hands-on experience. Her commitment is clear in her essential role in curriculum development, where she completely updated the program. Initially designed for in-person teaching, Lisa dedicated numerous hours to effectively adapting the high-quality new curriculum for virtual instruction.

One of Lisa’s greatest strengths is her commitment to continuous improvement and growth. She embodies the belief that she must always strive to do more and do better for her students. Outside of the classroom, she dedicates her time to new program offers, serves as a Department Chair, and provides essential mentorship through guiding new teachers.