New in 2024, Aspire is thrilled to announce our inaugural winners of the Teacher and Teammate of the Year awards! Each of our 3 regions has selected one outstanding teammate and teacher to honor with this recognition. The nomination process was extensive, yielding over 400 thoughtful responses from teammates, scholars, alumni, and families.  

We’re thankful for the impact each of the winners makes within their schools and across their communities. Read on and join us in celebrating our six winners’ great work and achievements!

Bay Area

Teacher of the Year: Frania Ramos-Arce, an elementary teacher at Aspire College Academy (ACA), has been honored as Teacher of the Year. With Aspire for five years, she has consistently demonstrated enthusiasm for teaching and a deep knowledge of academic engagement strategies. ACA Principal Brian White expressed his admiration, highlighting her exceptional communication skills with parents and professional demeanor. He described her as “the consummate blend of teacher leader and team player,” noting her commitment to the well-being of the ACA community. According to White, she “advocates for what is best for students and is a natural leader and a pillar of strength within the Jaguar Family.” Congratulations to Ms. Arce!

Teammate of the Year: Angelena Banks is the After School Director at Aspire Berkley Maynard Academy (BMA). Principal Jay Stack praised her journey

from joining the school community as a parent to leading one of the most expansive and well-resourced Expanded Learning Programs. He described Ms. Banks as a “force of joy, fun, and love for kids,” and commended her for bringing community partnerships to BMA scholars. These partnerships, including West African Dance, Black Neighborhood Project, GloMPACT, and Climbing Club, help students feel “validated, empowered, and a sense of belonging.” Principal Stack thanked Angelena for her “love and dedication to ensuring we are nurturing and developing the whole child.”

Central Valley 

Teacher of the Year: Evangelina Rios is a 6th-8th grade humanities teacher at Aspire Stockton Secondary Academy (ASSA). She has evolved from a mentee to a mentor teacher in the Alder Teacher Residency Program. Her commitment to the craft of teaching benefits her scholars and teammates, embodying the “any means necessary” mentality. During the pandemic, she took the initiative to support a new school, contributing to making ASSA the special place it is becoming.

Teammate of the Year: Juan Rodarte, the Building Manager at Aspire Summit Charter Academy (SCA), is a steadfast member of the Aspire family who exemplifies our core values of Belonging and Bienestar (Well-being). He ensures that our students are seen and cared for, maintaining a safe and clean school campus. Juan is known for seeing the brilliance in each student and building personal relationships with them. He always greets every visitor with a warm hello, embodying a spirit of inclusivity.

Los Angeles

Teacher of the Year: Andrea Martinez, a 13-year veteran educator, currently guides 4th graders at Aspire Firestone Academy. Her commitment to antiracist curriculum design, dedication to academic excellence, and focus on student wellness and agency have resulted in significant academic growth and increased confidence among her scholars.

Teammate of the Year: Olga Barraza Fraire, who serves as a SpEd Instructional Aide at Aspire Tate Academy, proactively disrupts antiblackness while fostering a critical understanding of social issues among her teammates and students. She excels in supporting diverse learners by integrating the varied cultural backgrounds and unique needs of the community into her work. The Aspire Los Angeles team has commended her dedication to all students, particularly those facing the most marginalization, and her commitment to ensuring their joy and well-being. She will soon continue her work and progress at Aspire Tate Academy through the Alder GSE Residency!