California Assembly honors five Teachers of the Year, names state nominee for National Teacher of the Year
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Summary
On Jan. 13, 2025, the Assembly recognized five California Teachers of the Year from multiple districts and noted that Matthew Wienheim will represent California in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
The California State Assembly on Jan. 13, 2025, welcomed and honored five teachers chosen as this year’s California Teachers of the Year.
Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi introduced the honorees and described each teacher’s school and subject area: Kristen Laprell, a high school math and AP Calculus teacher at Grossmont High School (Grossmont Union High School District, San Diego County); Robert Mogger, a high school career-technical-education automotive teacher at Corona High School (Corona-Norco Unified School District); Nicholas Westfall, a high school physical education teacher at Hamilton High School (Los Angeles Unified School District); Arbie Jean Wolkov, a high school American Sign Language teacher at Howard Taft Charter High School (Los Angeles Unified School District); and Matthew Wienheim, a middle-school STEM aviation teacher at the Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy (Palmdale Unified School District). Muratsuchi asked the Assembly to "please join me in honoring all of these great teachers."
Members noted that Matthew Wienheim has been selected to represent California as the state’s nominee for the National Teacher of the Year competition. The floor introduction also named the delegation accompanying the honorees, including Greg Gardner (2018 California Teacher of the Year) and Florence Avignon (2012).
The introductions and recognition were ceremonial; no votes or policy actions were recorded on the floor related to the presentations.