Jessica Ambarian has devoted eight years to the Van Gogh Charter Elementary community. She has cultivated a classroom culture where students are confident, creative users of technology, understanding its power as a tool for expression, storytelling, and meaningful impact. For the past two years, Ms. Ambarian has led her school’s participation in the Making Movies Film Festival, opening the door for students to discover and share the power of their own voices. 

Karin Bruhnke exemplifies excellence in every facet of her profession. Under her leadership and vision, the School for Advanced Studies (SAS) at San Pedro High School has become one of the most sought-after programs in the area, consistently preparing students for acceptance into elite colleges and universities while earning a strong reputation throughout the community. She maintains one of the highest AP exam pass rates, reflecting both her deep content knowledge and her exceptional ability to motivate students. Her passion for history and gift for storytelling bring content to life, creating engaging and memorable learning experiences that leave a lasting impact.

Ms. Dana Goldstein’s dedication to the 32nd Street USC MAE Magnet School community and to the teaching profession is unwavering. She consistently exemplifies an exceptional level of professionalism and regularly demonstrates a deep passion for effective teaching and learning, which is evident in both her interactions and the positive impact she has on those around her. Dana continually reminds her students that they can do math. She fosters a classroom culture where mistakes are viewed as an essential part of the learning process, encouraging students to take academic risks without fear. As a result, her students approach even the most challenging problems with confidence, knowing that she will provide the guidance and scaffolding necessary for them to persevere and succeed.

Loriz Gomez teaches fifth-grade students in Tweedy Elementary School’s GATE Cluster. She inspires her students to become leaders and role models by partnering with lower-grade classes for reading activities during Dr. Seuss Day and leading science lessons during Earth Day/Week. A National Board Certified Teacher, she is also a member of the CAP program that supports expanded learning opportunities in the arts. She created an art gallery to showcase student talent and actively encourages participation in the STEAM Festival.

Misti Kemmer’s commitment to students is evident in every role she undertakes. As the GATE Coordinator at Russell Elementary School, she works tirelessly to ensure that advanced learners are identified, supported, and appropriately challenged. As a Robotics Coach, she opens doors for students to explore STEM through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. She also provides enriching opportunities, including educational travel experiences that broaden students’ perspectives and inspire their aspirations. Her vision extends far beyond the traditional classroom walls, ensuring that students have access to transformative learning experiences.

Maria Lopez Zamudio brings a unique real world perspective to Venice High School’s STEMM Magnet and Dual Language Academy. Ms. Lopez Zamudio does not just teach Spanish; she curates a learning ecosystem where language is a tool for self discovery and community advocacy. In Ms. Lopez’s classroom, learning the Spanish language is not simply a static set of grammar rules, but a process of building self expression, cultural appreciation, and community advocacy.

Edna Martinez exemplifies excellence in education through her unwavering dedication, strategic leadership, and deep commitment to student success. As the Pupil Services and Attendance (PSA) Counselor at Narbonne High, she plays a vital role in supporting student attendance and engagement, two key factors in academic success. Edna serves as a powerful advocate for students, working intentionally to improve attendance, strengthen engagement, and increase graduation outcomes through a comprehensive three-tiered model of prevention and intervention. Her compassionate yet solution-oriented
approach ensures students feel supported rather than judged.

Maria Laura Pérez is a kindergarten Dual Language teacher at Second Street Elementary. Ms. Perez interacts with compassion with her students, openness with her parents, and is engaging as a public servant to education and to the community. Any time a leader or helper is required on campus for a special event or in the community, such as a weekend field trip for the students, Laura Pérez is there. She has planned, led, or co-led Second Street School’s Literacy Night, Math Focus Night, and STEM day event and will serve as the co-leader to the school site’s Robotics science club.

Leonidas Portillo brings history and ethnic studies to life in his classroom at Cochran Middle School. His passion is literally displayed on his walls through artifacts and replicas that help students connect classroom content to real-world experiences. Mr. Portillo consistently goes above and beyond to create enriching opportunities for his students, including field trips to SoFi Stadium and the Museum of Modern Art. His standout assignments include class murals, live debates in which students research the connections between historical events, the economy, society, and politics, and adapted plays that students create based on historical events.

Hector Ramirez is a dedicated teacher, coach, club sponsor, and Stage Crew sponsor with over 20 years of service. He has supported students through multiple roles, including serving as Boys and Girls Soccer Coach, where he led the girls’ team to a city championship in 2022 while fostering discipline, teamwork, and academic accountability. He also sponsored the International Club for 10 years, creating a welcoming space for the community, and as Intervention Coordinator, he established CAHSEE preparation classes and Saturday credit recovery programs to provide students with additional pathways to academic success.

Claudia Sanchez is a trusted mentor, advocate, and guiding force who goes above and beyond her role as the ELD and Title I Coordinator at Amestoy Elementary School. She ensures that English Learner students receive equitable high-quality instruction, supports teachers with curriculum, assessment, and best practices, helps families navigate complex systems, builds strong partnerships with parents, and advocates courageously when injustices arise. Claudia stands out for her tireless advocacy on behalf of students, families, and colleagues.

Gwendolyn Terry is a Transitional Kindergarten teacher at 96th Street Elementary who delights in enriching her students’ learning experiences. She creatively blends music and literacy, engaging students in strumming ukuleles while developing phonemic awareness and expanding vocabulary. She consistently goes above and beyond to provide meaningful enrichment opportunities, securing a Barona Grant for technology, along with Target Field Trip, Fedco, and LA ZOO PALs grants that allow her students to experience hands-on learning at Legoland‘s Tall Towers workshop, and field trips to Centennial Farm, the Natural History Museum, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and the Los Angeles Zoo. Through her dedication and creativity, Mrs. Terry ensures her kindergartners have access to joyful, memorable, and impactful learning experiences.

Lelaina Van Camp is a steadfast champion for academic excellence, a true leader to the school community, and a reliable and dedicated advocate for unionism. Ms. Van Camp has contributed to Maywood STEM Elementary‘s success in standing as a Gold Ribbon School, a STEM Certificated School, ITI Practitioner School, and a Magnet School of excellence through her exemplary roles as LAUSD Science Ambassador, VEX IQ award-winning Robotics Coach, National Board Certified Teacher, an International Society for Technology in Education Certified Teacher, grade level chair, CAT team leader, and a union voice on both our Local School Leadership and School Site Council.