Congratulations to South Pasadena Unified School District’s (SPUSD) 2025 Teacher of the Year, Emily Smith, who was named one of the top 16 teachers in Los Angeles County at the Teacher of the Year ceremony held on Friday, September 19, 2025 at the Universal Hilton Hotel. With this recognition, Mrs. Smith qualified as a finalist for the Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year award.

This year’s competition brought together 70 teachers representing school districts throughout the county. Mrs. Smith was selected based on a rigorous process of essay and lesson plan submissions, proof of innovative teaching practices, and interviews.

“First grade teacher Emily Smith creates a learning environment that is peaceful and energetic,” said Arroyo Vista Principal Emily Blaney. “She works with light, texture, color, and her incredible imagination to create a magical classroom space for her students. Mrs. Smith is a lifelong learner herself, and she brings what she learns to the classroom for the students’ benefit.”

Each year, SPUSD recognizes outstanding school site teachers of the year for their care, compassion, and ingenuity in their classrooms. Designed to focus public attention on teaching excellence and to honor exemplary dedication and professional commitment, the competition is the largest of its type in the country. 

In addition to Mrs. Smith, we would like to recognize all of the 2025 SPUSD Teachers of the Year including:

Rachael Wong, Marengo Elementary School
Sarah Howard, Monterey Hills Elementary School
Annie Schaumleffel, South Pasadena Middle School
Sean Regan, South Pasadena High School

We are so proud of our exemplary teachers!

For more information, contact: South Pasadena Unified School District, Office of the Superintendent, [email protected].