Aspire Public Schools is proud to announce the 2026 Teacher and Teammate of the Year award winners! Now in its third year, this recognition celebrates exceptional educators and staff across our three regions—Bay Area, Central Valley, and Los Angeles—who embody our mission and values. This year’s honorees were selected from a competitive pool of nominations submitted by teammates, students, families, and alumni. Each winner has made a profound impact on their school community through dedication, leadership, and a commitment to student success. 

Bay Area

Teacher of the Year: De’Shawnna Riley
De’Shawnna Riley is a 5th Grade Teacher at Aspire Richmond Technology Academy. De’Shawnna has been a passionate advocate for cultural celebration and belonging in her school community. She is a proud attendee of Aspire Bay Area’s Black Excellence Celebrations, where she has witnessed scholars and families come together to honor academic achievement, character, and community leadership. “Seeing Black-identifying scholars and their families come together in pride and joy was incredibly powerful,” she shares. “These events created a strong sense of belonging, cultural pride, and excellence that I will always remember.” 

Teammate of the Year: Nore Temol-Ito
Nore Temol-Ito is a TK Instructional Assistant at Aspire Monarch Academy. Nore’s dedication to her students spans years, not just school days. One of her most cherished memories was watching her very first TK students graduate from 5th grade. “I still remember their very first day in TK — some shy, some nervous, some with tears, some bursting with excitement, all with eyes full of curiosity and wonder,” she reflects. “Watching those same students walk across the stage with confidence and joy, ready to take on middle school, was such a beautiful full-circle moment.” 

Central Valley

Teacher of the Year: Leticia Robles
Leticia Robles is an Intervention Specialist at Aspire University Charter School. Leti believes deeply in meeting students with compassion and patience, even in the most challenging moments. Witnessing a teammate support a struggling scholar with care and professionalism moved her to tears and reinforced everything she believes about this work. “I was witnessing love and understanding,” she recalls. “It was beautiful leadership — not [just] in theory, but in the moment it mattered the most.” 

Teammate of the Year: Adrianna Gonzales
Adrianna Gonzales is a School Social Worker at Aspire Summit Charter Academy. Over her two years at Summit Charter, Adrianna has built meaningful relationships with students, families, and teammates that define her Aspire experience. From celebrating family wins to being a steady, trusted presence in students’ everyday lives, Adrianna brings heart and dedication to everything she does. “Even the small moments — checking in, problem-solving together, or simply being a consistent point of support — have had a lasting impact on me,” she says, “and remind me why I love the work that I do.” 

Los Angeles

Teacher of the Year: Yanick Clay
Yanick Clay is a World History and Ethnic Studies Teacher at Aspire Ollin University Prep Academy. Yanick knows that joy and connection are at the heart of great school culture. One of her favorite Aspire memories is a simple one — boarding a bus with her teammates for a bowling outing — a reminder that the bonds built between teammates are just as important as the work done in the classroom. 

Teammate of the Year: Beatriz Arredondo
Beatriz Arredondo is a Cafeteria Assistant and Supervisor at Aspire Ollin University Prep Academy. Beatriz’s favorite Aspire memory captures the spirit of community she helps create every day: a joyful group trip with colleagues to Catalina Island, a celebration of the connections and camaraderie that make Aspire feel like family. “There are many [memories], but my favorite is when we all went together on a boat trip to Catalina Island,” she shares.