South Pasadena Unified School District is proud to announce that Arroyo Vista 4th Grade teacher Jennifer Simon has been named the 2026 SPUSD Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Simon will represent SPUSD in the Los Angeles County Office of Education Teacher of the Year program, which recognizes educators who have shown exemplary dedication, compelling classroom practices, positive accomplishments, and professional commitment to their students.

Congratulations also to the following teachers who were named by faculty and staff members as their school's Teacher of the Year:

Jennifer Simon, Arroyo Vista, 4th Grade
Cecily Phalen-Bartolome, Marengo, 4th Grade
Janet Lim, Monterey Hills, Transitional Kindergarten
Ani Atoyan, South Pasadena Middle School, English
Dave Baughman, South Pasadena High School, Special Education

SPUSD’s outstanding teachers help ensure the success of our community’s children and young adults. We appreciate them every day!

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