Since her youth, Live Oak Elementary School teacher Michelle Vazquez had an interest in teaching and advocacy, something she learned from her family, who ran a foster home for adults with special needs.

The Resource Specialist Program (RSP) teacher, with her 16-plus years of experience in education, received acclaim from her school and the Fontana Unified School District as 2024-25 Teacher of the Year. She is also one of the 2026 San Bernardino Countywide Teachers of the Year and is now a finalist for the 2026 California Department of Education Teacher of the Year award.

“I would not be here if it weren’t for every single person who has supported me throughout my teaching career,” Vazquez said. “These awards truly mean the world to me. I am so humbled and honored just to be recognized. I

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