We spotlight the Top Teachers of Orange County.
Top Teacher of Orange County 2026
Lauren Vargas
La Habra High School, La Habra
Three of her students just became Simon Scholars. One Poetry Club student was recently hired as a Get Lit poet, traveling and getting paid to perform poetry. Other students have started small businesses.
These are just a few of the success stories La Habra High School English teacher Lauren Vargas has witnessed over her five years at the school.
“No success is too small,” said Vargas, who is this year’s Parenting OC Top Teacher winner. “I love when students can confidently, and without being asked, reteach what we learned last week to a classmate who needs more help. Those are some of my favorite success moments.”
In addition to English, Vargas also teaches ELD, co-coordinates HiSTEP (academic support), and serves as both yearbook class and Poetry Club advisor.
“Ms. Vargas stands out for her rare ability to lead, innovate and advocate simultaneously,” said Principal Steve Garcia, who nominated Vargas. “She serves in multiple roles … and brings passion, purpose and excellence to each.”
She created “Spoken Spark,” the school’s first-ever districtwide Poetry Slam, expanded platforms for student voice through Open Mic Nights and competitive poetry, and guided students to a first-place finish at the 2025 OC RYSE Poetry Competition, according to Garcia.
“Her leadership in academic intervention has directly contributed to over 1,100 fewer D/F grades in just two years, significantly improving graduation rates and A–G eligibility,” Garcia said. “Ms. Vargas also demonstrates forward-thinking leadership by being among the first educators to advocate for bringing AVID to La Habra [High School]. Beyond her formal roles, she is a true team player, supporting her department, programs, classroom communities, school-wide initiatives and district-wide efforts.”
Vargas seemed destined to become a teacher. Her
father was a public school educator and her family is packed with teachers and educators.
“We joke at Vargas family parties that all 100 people in attendance are teachers,” she said. “My grandfather and mother were also instrumental in my passion for learning, always pushing me to seek further education as a means to establish myself in the world.”
She said her entry into public school teaching was somewhat unorthodox. She began as an on-campus tutor and teaching assistant while enrolled as an undergrad at UC Santa Cruz, working with English learners, foreign exchange students and students at risk of expulsion because of low English testing scores.
“I coupled what I learned from professors and my Lyft marketing internship to found a tutoring company in Orange County in my early 20s,” she said. “I taught private lessons and homeschool groups in people’s homes and study rooms at libraries, basically every English-related discipline under the sun.”
After years of running her tutoring business and teaching classes at various charter and home school organizations, she decided it was time to get her teaching credential and simultaneous master’s degree in teaching.
“That led me straight to [La Habra High School], which has truly become a home to me,” she said.
Vargas describes a day in her teaching life as “nonstop, and I prefer it that way.” She said that from the moment she walks through the school’s gate to the second she leaves, she’s chatting with students both academically and personally.
“I can be found in the quad throwing a football with ninth-graders, sitting down with a senior working on a college essay, in the middle of an expository essay consultation, nudging a student photographer closer to the field for a better shot, popping popcorn for students who improved their state testing scores, laughing with colleagues as we share potluck-style meals almost every lunch, throwing lollipops across the room for sharing epic analysis aloud in class or setting up the lecture hall for English Ted Talks and guest speakers,” she said. “Every day is new and exciting.” — Jessica Peralta
Top 10 Teachers
Callie Albano
Heritage Oak Private Education
“Teaching is a calling, a selfless job that you choose because you want to help shape the future, make lasting connections with students, and guide our youth to reach and recognize their potential that they may not otherwise accomplish on their own.”
Callie Albano is a dedicated and highly respected educator who has been a cornerstone of the Heritage Oak Private Education community for the past 14 years. As a member of the Instructional Leadership Team and the Fifth Grade Lead Teacher, Albano plays a vital role in guiding students through a pivotal year of academic growth and personal development. She works closely with students in all capacities, supporting not only their academic progress but also their social and emotional development, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of middle school and beyond. She sponsors the fifth-grade leadership club, Husky Heroes, where she mentors students as they learn the importance of community involvement and civic responsibility. Her contributions extend far beyond the classroom, making a lasting and positive impact on the entire school community.
Ana Flores
Fairmont Preparatory Academy
“Watching students build foundations, trust their curiosity and step bravely into complex ideas like quantum mechanics and computing is a gift I never take for granted.”
Ana Valeria Flores represents the very best of Orange County education: brilliant expertise paired with a gift for inspiring young people to believe they belong in the most challenging academic spaces. At Fairmont Preparatory Academy, Flores has become a transformative force in STEM — an educator who elevates student achievement while building curiosity, confidence and joy in learning. Before stepping into the classroom, she worked as a project engineer on NASA-affiliated space missions, including contributions to the Mars 2020 project. This rare professional background gives her teaching extraordinary authenticity. Her students don’t just learn physics from a textbook — they learn it from someone who has applied complex scientific principles to real missions with global impact. That real-world experience immediately changes how students see the subject: physics is no longer distant or theoretical — it becomes alive, relevant and possible. Students leave her course not only stronger academically, but more courageous in how they think.
Juvy Gomez
Juarez Elementary School
“I will continue to meet each scholar where they are in their academic journey and help them reach their full academic potential.”
Juvy Gomez exemplifies the highest standards of dedication, creativity and leadership in education. With more than 20 years of service, she has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her students, colleagues and community. Creativity is a hallmark of her teaching. She employs innovative methods to engage her sixth-graders, making learning dynamic, interactive and meaningful. Her classroom is a place where curiosity is nurtured and students are encouraged to explore new ideas, think critically and express themselves confidently. She has a remarkable ability to adapt lessons to meet the unique needs of each student, ensuring that every learner is challenged and supported. Families frequently request that their children be in her class because of the meaningful connections she fosters. Her strength lies in building relationships, particularly with students who may struggle academically or behaviorally, helping them feel seen, supported and capable of success.
Trang Le
Esther L. Walter Elementary
“I have the privilege of building relationships with my students and witnessing the growth they make every day. I am truly grateful for the chance to pursue my passion and do what I absolutely love.”
Trang Le is an educator whose passion and dedication have transformed countless lives over her 25-year teaching career. As a first-grade teacher, Trang brings both innovation and heart into everything she does. Her classroom is a place of joy, rigor and belonging, where every child begins the day affirming, “I can and I will!” Trang seamlessly integrates strategies such as Thinking Maps, Total Physical Response and interactive technology to make learning engaging and accessible to all students. Her teaching inspires so much admiration that educators from across the district often visit to observe her in action. What sets Trang apart is not only her masterful instruction but also her remarkable ability to connect with each student. She makes every child feel valued, loved and capable of achieving great things. Beloved by students, families and colleagues alike, Trang radiates warmth, positivity and excellence.
Nicole Mahar
Robert C. Fisler School
“Our classroom is a place where learning is thoughtful, joyful and full of laughter — and where students feel supported to take risks and grow.”
Nicole Mahar is an exceptional educator whose creativity, leadership and service have made a lasting impact on students, colleagues and the school community for more than two decades. She teaches GATE-level students and consistently challenges learners to think deeply and perform beyond grade-level expectations. As a Cotsen Alumni in Reading, she brings a strong passion for literacy instruction and has written grants to expand her classroom library, including shared “buddy book” sets that promote collaboration and deeper comprehension. In mathematics, Mahar designed a flexible math pathway that allows students to demonstrate mastery, accelerate and work independently while achieving higher levels of understanding. Colleagues admire her ability to quickly generate new ideas and seamlessly implement professional learning into effective classroom practice. She is also a dedicated lead teacher and mentor who regularly opens her classroom for instructional rounds — modeling best practices in reading, writing and mathematics.
Nahyun Park
Oakridge Private School
“I believe that building meaningful relationships and providing genuine care are the foundations that empower children to take risks and grow with confidence academically, emotionally and socially.”
Nahyun Park’s dedication to her students extends far beyond the classroom. During the previous school year, she taught while pregnant and welcomed her baby at the end of the year. Despite complications from a C-section, she returned at the start of the following school year so her students would not miss her guidance or support. Her professionalism was so seamless that most parents and students were unaware of the challenges she faced. Park is deeply valued by both parents and students for her kindness, patience and dedication. She brings a strong, personal drive to her teaching and that motivation naturally rubs off on her students. She challenges them to excel while remaining a teacher they genuinely enjoy working with. Park has a warm, joyful demeanor and her genuine smile and positivity are contagious — students feel happier and more motivated simply being around her.
David Sporn
Katella High School
“Katella is my new home and I love it deeply. It is a place where students’ voices, cultures and lived experiences are not just welcomed, but celebrated.”
David Sporn is an exceptional photography teacher whose impact at Katella High School has far exceeded the walls of his classroom. Although he has taught for 27 years, his three years at Katella have been transformative for the school community. Sporn teaches Ethnic Studies Photography and Yearbook, but his influence reaches far beyond his course load. He continually takes on multiple roles and contributes well beyond his job description. Sporn has volunteered countless hours to redesign and beautify the campus, intentionally creating spaces that build school spirit, community and pride. Most recently, he designed three large “step-and-repeat” banner displays across campus, providing professional and exciting photo opportunities for students and staff, along with red-and-black flags over the lunch tables. One of his most celebrated contributions is the Royal Photo area he created in the main building, showcasing more than 300 Katella Knights in joyful, creative moments.
Michael Thatcher
Oakridge Private School
“My goal has always been to help students discover their own love of learning and to embrace challenges as a necessary part of growth.”
With more than 20 years of experience in education and now completing his seventh year at Oakridge Private School, Michael Thatcher exemplifies dedication, passion and the unwavering belief that all students can succeed. Teaching truly runs in his family. His mother served as a teacher and administrator for Fairmont Schools and he continues that legacy with a level of commitment that elevates the entire community. Thatcher is one of the most popular and respected middle-school teachers. Students appreciate his humor, enthusiasm and the personal attention he gives each learner. Whether he is teaching General Science, Physical Science, Earth Science or Life Science, he makes complex concepts accessible and exciting. His classroom is a place where curiosity is encouraged, mistakes are part of the learning process, and every student feels valued. He challenges students academically while maintaining a warm and supportive environment, a balance that has earned him lasting admiration from both students and parents.
Stephanie Weber
Sunset Lane Elementary School
“I am grateful every day for the opportunity to celebrate both small and big milestones with my students, whose joy and excitement make our classroom such a special place.”
Stephanie Weber is the kind of teacher who transforms not only her classroom, but the entire school community. As a fourth- through sixth-grade moderate/severe autism-specific SDC teacher, she demonstrates extraordinary skill, compassion and professionalism while ensuring her students receive a high-quality, individualized education. Although she is new to the school this year, she has already made a profound and lasting impact, quickly becoming a trusted partner to parents, a valued colleague to staff and a favorite among students. Weber brings both academic rigor and deep care to her classroom. Her knowledge of her students’ strengths, challenges and goals allows her to advocate effectively and help them thrive academically and socially. Whether guiding students through Edmark reading lessons or integrating math, reading, vocabulary and picture representation into cross-curricular content like “The World’s Biggest Pumpkin,” Weber maintains high expectations while offering scaffolded support, redirection and continual encouragement.
Top 25 Teachers
Caroline Boehm
Valencia Park Elementary School
“I am passionate about helping each child become a capable, joyful reader, because those early literacy skills open the door to other opportunities.”
Amanda Burzumato
Taft Elementary School
“Teaching isn’t just what I do, it’s who I am. After 16 years, my passion is still fueled by my students’ growth and the safe haven we build together.”
Rachael Butler
Fairmont Schools – Historic Anaheim Campus
“It is truly an honor, and honestly a little overwhelming, to be nominated. Getting to help students grow in confidence, curiosity and character is the best part of my day.”
Alondra Diaz
Sycamore Magnet Academy
“To me, any success in my work is the result of strong partnerships and community. I am inspired by students, families and colleagues on a daily basis.”
John Dovenmuehler
Red Hill Lutheran School
“To me, this nomination means that it is an opportunity to promote the good things the Lord Jesus Christ is doing in and through our whole church and school community.”
Dayna Humphries
Heritage Oak Private Education
“Teaching has been my dream since I was a little girl. Watching my students light up with joy and pride when they learn something new fills my heart and reminds me why I’m here.”
Glenn Madrid
Troy High School
“What a blessing it has been to make a career out of not just teaching in the classroom, but sharing growth experiences with 30-plus years of students.”
Natalie Miranda
Vibrant Minds Charter School
“Above all, I want my students to know that I care deeply about them and will always be rooting for them, even long after they leave my classroom.”
Tanya Musquez
TVT Community Day School
“This recognition highlights the power of community. When teachers, staff, parents, students and community work together with a shared vision, anything becomes possible.”
Christina Ngo
The Pegasus School
“This nomination is so meaningful to me because it comes from the people who are in the trenches with me every day: my fellow teachers, colleagues, support staff, families and students.”
Julia Parsons
Orange Lutheran High School
“I’m grateful for families who trust me with their children, for the joy my students bring into my classroom every day and for my co-workers who partner with me in our ministry.”
Brendan Powers
Servite High School
“This is my 39th year in the classroom, and I must say this honor makes me pause and look back at the thousands of hours I’ve invested in the greatest job in the world.”
Kasey Spencer
Cambridge Virtual Academy
“It is a privilege to be recognized for dedicating my career to building innovative environments where students can truly learn and thrive on their own terms.”
Kelly Virden
Sonora High School
“I am deeply committed to making learning engaging, enjoyable and accessible to all students, ensuring that every student — regardless of their starting point — feels seen, supported and capable of success.”
Courtney White
Oxford Preparatory Academy (South OC)
“This nomination gives an additional reminder that the joy I feel each day and the growth I see in my students is seen and appreciated.”
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