Irvine Unified School District announced its 2025‑26 Teachers of the Year and Teachers of Promise, recognizing seven educators across elementary, middle and high school campuses for their classroom practice, leadership and service to students.
Elementary School Teacher of the Year
Devon Zangger is a fourth grade teacher at Solis Park School whose math and writing lessons emphasize student thinking. In addition to her classroom work, she serves as a mentor teacher and contributes to district curriculum efforts, including math adoption and parent outreach workshops.
Middle School Teacher of the Year
Darren Canejo is an education specialist at Sierra Vista Middle School known for hands-on learning that helps students with extensive support needs. His efforts include the campus Coffee Cart, where students serve as baristas to build vocational and social skills, and Charger Buddies, which pairs general education and special education students for activities such as games, art and dance.
High School Teacher of the Year
Lisa Gordon is a science teacher at San Joaquin Middle and High School, teaching courses that range from middle school science to AP biology. She has played a key role in curriculum development, including adapting science programs for virtual instruction, and also serves as a department chair and mentor for new teachers.
Teachers of Promise
This distinction highlights first- and second-year instructors whose work has stood out early in their careers.
Christina Gillespie, a fifth grade teacher at Stonegate Elementary School, was noted for stepping into a leadership role on her grade-level team while delivering instruction that meets students at their individual levels and closely tracks progress toward learning goals.
Emily Manton, a fourth grade teacher at Solis Park School, was recognized for leading a shared instructional model that rotates students for targeted support, allowing instruction to be tailored to individual needs within a single class period.
Andrea Barrientos, an education specialist at Sierra Vista Middle School, was honored for creating a Reading Buddies partnership that brings together students of all abilities each week to build literacy skills and friendships.
Evelyn Pohle, a math teacher at Portola High School, was recognized for leading a team of seven Math I teachers. In her classroom, she regularly asks students to reflect on their progress and uses small-group instruction to keep them actively involved and supported.
