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Azusa Unified honors site teachers and names Magnolia’s Stacy Munoz district teacher of the year
Summary
Azusa Unified recognized site-level teachers across its schools and named Stacy Munoz of Magnolia Elementary as the 2025–26 district teacher of the year; partners presented awards and the board recessed for photos before resuming business.
The Azusa Unified School District on April 21 honored teachers from across the district and named Magnolia Elementary kindergarten teacher Stacy Munoz its 2025–26 district teacher of the year.
The board meeting at AUSD headquarters featured presentations by principals from Dalton, Hodge, Charles H. D., Longfellow, Clifford D. Murray, Paramount, Valley Del, Gladstone Middle, Azusa High, Sierra High, the Adult Education Center and the district’s Magnolia adult transition program. Each principal introduced their site’s teacher of the year and described that educator’s contributions to students and school culture.
Jessica Estrada, Dalton Elementary principal, introduced Gabe Miranda as Dalton’s teacher of the year and praised his work building staff capacity and restorative practices. Jeanette Flores introduced Christine Contreras for Hodge Elementary; Diana Rojas introduced Brandy Lopez for Charles H. D. Elementary; Jenny Lee presented Longfellow’s Jane Aguilera; Adrian Acosta introduced Anna Fresquez Chung for Clifford D. Murray; Antonio Flores recognized Paramount’s Cecilia Dela Torre; Horacio Trejo presented Carla Orellana for Valley Del; Sal Perdomo introduced Gladstone’s Olga Guevara; Gabriel Fernandez introduced Andres del Real for Azusa High; Teresa Peterson presented Sierra High’s Tina Martin; Harold Cruz was named Adult Education teacher of the year; and Melissa Casas was honored for the Magnolia adult transition program.
After the site recognitions, district staff announced Stacy Munoz of Magnolia Elementary as the district teacher of the year. Munoz told the board she felt humbled by the honor and said the award belonged to the students, colleagues and families who support her work. “Teaching has never been about recognition for me. It’s been about the quiet, meaningful moments in the classroom,” Munoz said.
Community and partner organizations presented awards and small honoraria: Foothill Credit Union presented a $100 check; SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union presented a $100 Amazon gift card; and a local education foundation offered additional recognition. The board recessed briefly for group photos after the ceremony.
Why it matters: Local recognition spotlights educators’ classroom work and supports district recruitment and retention efforts, while partner contributions provide modest financial support for honorees.
What’s next: The board proceeded with its regular agenda after the recess, taking up resolutions and business items later in the same meeting.
