Top Teacher and Employee Awards
Each year we ask you our readers to submit nominations for those educators, employees, and administrators that consistently go above and beyond the call of duty. Those who innovate, dare to make a change at their schools. Those who inspire students and other staff members to reach their full potential. Those who meet education challenges head-on. Orange County is fortunate enough to have so many extraordinary schools.
2026 marks our 13th Annual School Heroes — Top Teachers, Top Employees and Top Leaders — of Orange County Awards and Issue. With more than 200 principal-approved nominations last year, we were impressed as we are year after year with the caliber of teachers, employees and administrators that are clearly making the lives of our students and families so much better. We even expanded our criteria to include all kinds of education — from private and public to alternative and online schools — and the response was truly overwhelming.
All of the 2026 finalists and winners will be featured in our March Issue.
Awards Night Gala Might Be Returning to Bowers Museum
Originally launched as “Top Teachers of OC” in 2014, the recognition began as a special issue. “Top Employees” were added in 2019, followed by “Top Leaders” in 2021. The event evolved into an awards show at the Bowers Museum from 2017-2020. The 2026 School Heroes recognition will mark the 13th annual special issue and the 5th live awards show. Reception date coming soon.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the 2026 Awards Reception. For more information, please contact Parenting OC at (714) 630-4510.
Watch the 2025 Announcement
2025 Top Teacher & Employee Winners
Magnolia School District
Sunny Hill High School
Middle College High School
Each year ParentingOC honors the Top Teacher’s and Employees across Orange County and continues to congratulate these influential community members as they make an impact on OC student’s lives.
Top Teacher 2025 Judges
Thank you, principals, school heads, and district officials for spreading the word. Thank you, parents, peers, and students for sending in nominations. Thank you to our judges for carefully reviewing each essay submitted.
2021 Top Teacher Winner, Beckman High School
2021 Top teacher Finalist, Aliso Viejo Middle School
2024 Top Teacher Winner
Robert C. Fisler School
2023 Top Teacher Finalist, Pathway School in Laguna Hills
Aliso Niguel High School in Aliso Viejo
2024 Top Teacher Finalist,
James A. Whitaker Elementary School in Buena Park
Parenting OC Publisher
Parenting OC Editor
Parenting OC Associate Publisher
If you have any questions or inquiries read through our Nomination Criteria.
Top Teachers & Employees Archives
