Outstanding educators throughout Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) were recognized at the Newport-Mesa Schools Foundation’s (NMSF) 2025 Teacher Awards at the Oasis Senior Center in Newport Beach. 

The event, with 200 in attendance, recognized the 24 NMUSD teachers of the year and awarded $107,000 in teacher grants to support classroom educational needs. 

“We are grateful for our partnership with the Newport-Mesa Schools Foundation. Their generous support allows our educators to bring creative and innovative ideas to life, funding unique projects that further enhance programs offered throughout our schools,” said NMUSD Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith.

Teachers of the Year

Twenty-four NMUSD teachers of the year were recognized, with three selected to represent the district in the Orange County Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year program:

• Matthew Burns, science teacher, Newport Harbor High School
   
• Carolina Escobar, kindergarten teacher, Wilson Elementary School
   
• Roxana Rain, instructional coach in math, Ensign Intermediate School

Among the honorees were sixth-grade teachers — and mother and daughter — Erica Ramos of Rea Elementary School and Destiny Ramos-Rios of College Park Elementary School. A onetime NMUSD student herself, Ramos-Rios was inspired to be a teacher by her mother.

Also recognized as Teachers of the Year:

• Jennifer Alvarado, kindergarten teacher, Harbor View Elementary School
   
• Jennifer Carter, English teacher, Back Bay High School
   
• Stephanie Davidson, fifth-grade teacher, Newport Coast Elementary School
   
• Kiara Etchechury, fifth- and sixth-grade teacher, Paularino Elementary School
   
• Tammy Evans, science teacher, Sonora Elementary School
   
• Aimee Gealer, transitional kindergarten teacher, Adams Elementary School
   
• Jody Green, math and AVID teacher, Early College High School
   
• Macaulay Guyser, kindergarten teacher, California Elementary School
   
• Carolyn Hanson, music teacher, Kaiser Elementary School
   
• Travis Lagerlof, sixth-grade teacher, Eastbluff Elementary School
   
• Megan Manning, science teacher, Davis Magnet School
   
• Megan Merrick, first-grade teacher, Andersen Elementary School
   
• Konstantina Polychronopoulos Montez, math teacher, Corona del Mar Middle/High School
   
• Danielle Moran, math teacher, TeWinkle Middle School
   
• Kelleen Michelle Napper, second-grade teacher, Woodland Elementary School
   
• Dulce Maria Teresita Peña-Wing, first-grade dual immersion Spanish teacher, Whittier Elementary School
   
• Amber Reyes, visual and performing arts teacher, Estancia High School
   
• Tina Taylor, English Language Development supports teacher, Costa Mesa Middle/High School
   
• Lindsay Zawatsky, specialized academic instruction supports teacher, Newport Heights Elementary School

To be considered for the Teacher of the Year program, colleagues nominate fellow educators who exemplify excellence in teaching. Nominees then submit a written application, reviewed by a selection committee of previous Teacher of the Year recipients and NMFT representatives. Finalists are selected to complete a more in-depth application, followed by classroom observations and off-site interviews conducted by the committee.

Grants to Teachers 

More than $100,000 in teacher grants were also awarded at the evening’s festivities to 54 individual teachers, six grade-level teams, and four school departments. Awards ranged from $800-$5,000. 

The grants will support sensory tools, academic and arts equipment, robotics kits, inclusive play centers, kindness programs, and more. 

The grants are made possible through the NMSF Grants to Teachers program, which relies on donations from special events, such as the Newport-Mesa State of the Schools Breakfast; membership fees; and local communities, families, and businesses. 

NMUSD deeply values the strong community partnerships that help enrich educational experiences for nearly 18,000 students. The generosity of NMSF and its supporters reflects a shared commitment to excellence in public education. These contributions support the expansion of innovative programs and enhance classroom learning. These partnerships demonstrate the power of a united community in supporting teachers and ensuring every student has access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.

Additional photos from the event can be found on the district’s online gallery. Please visit the Newport-Mesa Schools Foundation website to learn more about how you can support NMUSD teachers and students.