Escondido Teacher Named 2025 California Teacher Of The Year

ESCONDIDO, CA — An Escondido educator was named a 2025 California Teacher of the Year, the California Department of Education announced.

Corina Martinez, a kindergarten teacher at Pioneer Elementary School in Escondido Union School District, was one of five educators recognized as 2025 California Teachers of the Year.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond praised the winners for their passion, creativity and commitment to inspiring students every day.

"These extraordinary educators represent the very best of our public schools and remind us that great teaching can change lives and strengthen entire school communities," he said.

The state also named four finalists for teacher of the year, including Gregory Hinchliff, who teaches Spanish, English, social studies, Native American studies, and speech and debate at Bonsall High School in the Bonsall Unified School District.

Presented by the California Department of Education and supported by the California Teachers of the Year Foundation, the California Teachers of the Year Program began in 1972 to honor outstanding teachers and encourage and inspire new teachers to enter the profession.

County offices of education nominate California Teachers of the Year applicants through their county-level competitions. The California Department of Education selection committees review applications, interview the teachers, and evaluate their rapport with students, classroom environments, presentation skills and teaching techniques. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction then selects the five California Teachers of the Year and the National Teacher of the Year nominee.