The William S. Hart Union High School District celebrated 18 educators named the 2026-27 Teachers of the Year during Wednesday’s governing board meeting at the district office.
The Teacher of the Year is a statewide program that recognizes the efforts of teachers in the classroom to educate their students toward academic success, and according to Collyn Neilsen, the district’s deputy superintendent of human resources, teachers were selected through campus wide nominations and voting.
In addition, Amber Feldman, a Saugus High School social studies teacher, was recognized as the Hart district teacher of the year and is set to represent the district at the county and possible state level.
After the teachers were recognized for their achievement, board members all congratulated the educators during their board reports. Governing board members Aakash Ahuja and Cherise Moore were not present during Wednesday’s meeting.
“Our teachers are the heart of our district, working tirelessly every day to inspire, challenge, and support our students,” said governing board president Joe Messina. “Recognizing these 18 individuals is a celebration not just of their individual achievements, but of the transformative impact exceptional teaching has on our entire Santa Clarita community.”
“Thanks again to our amazing teachers of the year, I love that we had their administrators and families coming to honor them and truly acknowledge them and how much we appreciate them,” governing board member Erin Wilson said.
Governing board Bob Jensen echoed those same remarks, and stated he was happy to connect with them during the meeting.
“It’s very exciting to have them here and see them and shake their hands and watch the enthusiasm that they give to our district and the example they are to everyone in our district and all the other teachers and those that work in this fabulous district that we have,” Jensen said.
“Selected by their peers and school communities, these exceptional teachers represent the dedication, passion, and innovation present across every campus in the Hart District,” a district news release said.
In a news release published Friday, the Hart district announced that Feldman was selected at the Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year, which is a prestigious recognition that recognizes the excellence in education. She has now qualified for the state teacher of the year competition.
“Teaching is never a solo endeavor, and I want to take the time to recognize my dedicated mentors and incredible colleagues who have guided my professional journey and who inspire me daily to do this noble work. I would not be here without their wisdom, support, and partnership. I’m incredibly lucky that I get to do what I love every day,” Feldman stated in the news release. “I still have many more years left in this demanding, yet rewarding profession. I look forward to continuing to grow as an educator, refining practice, learning from challenges, and making a positive impact on both my students and colleagues.”
Feldman is a social studies and advanced placement psychology teacher, and the recognition marks the eighth year in a row a Hart district teacher has been given the L.A. County Teacher of the Year title.
“We are beyond proud to see Amber Feldman selected as a Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year. Amber is a caring and dedicated educator who embodies the very best of our district,” Hart district Superintendent Michael Vierra said in the release. “Her focus on building meaningful relationships allows her to support her students and meet each child where they are, while maintaining high standards of excellence. Amber truly exemplifies our mission to ensure every student is opportunity ready.”
The district’s 2026/27 Teachers of the Year are as follows:
- Jennifer O’Shea, Academy of the Canyons.
- Christol Tracy, Arroyo Seco Junior High School.
- Amber Branch, Bowman High School.
- Sean DeLong, Canyon High School.
- Eve Itaya, Castaic High School.
- Richard Reynolds, Golden Oak Adult School.
- Corie Frasson, Golden Valley High School.
- Robert Tilles, Hart High School.
- Jeremy Strauss, La Mesa Junior High School.
- Amanda King, Learning Post Academy.
- Tealena Felix, Placerita Junior High School.
- Leslie Wright, Rancho Pico Junior High School.
- Rachel Sanchez, Rio Norte Junior High School.
- Amber Feldman, Saugus High School.
- Raderic Manzano, Sequoia.
- Julie Bretthauer, Sierra Vista Junior High School.
- Michelle Rivas, Valencia High School.
- Hannah Preach, West Ranch High School.
