Three educators from West Contra Costa County and another from Contra Costa College were celebrated Thursday as part of the County Office of Education’s 2025 Teachers of the Year Program.
Zsarleen Posadas, second-grade teacher at Montalvin Manor Elementary School, Kaitlin Marchesi, a dedicated 7-12 Special Education teacher at Vista K12 Virtual Academy, and Mark Wong, co-chair of engineering + physics at Contra Costa College, were among 22 teachers in 18 school districts countywide to earn the distinction.
They will now compete to be named one of the two Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year.
Also recognized in a separate program as outstanding teachers this week were Deryk Hudson, 9-12th grade Art teacher at Richmond High School, Maestra Sanjuana Cavazos of Washington Elementary, and Kristine Barrios, TK teacher at Olinda Elementary. They were named among the West Contra Costa County Education Fund’s 2025 Teaching Excellence Awards winners.
Posadas was honored for having a “can-do, let’s-make-it-work” attitude and creating a welcoming, supportive, and rigorous learning environment.
“She finds solutions that put her students first,” states the Ed Fund, which honored its teaching excellence winners on social media. “Her classroom is always open, not just to students but to families and colleagues, fostering a true sense of community and collaboration.” Posadas was also recognized as a mentor to resident teachers.
Marchesi (and her incredible service dog, Truman), is described as a “trusted leader, a supportive colleague, and an invaluable resource for students and staff alike.”
“Whether assisting students with technology issues, coaching fellow staff through administrative challenges, or helping organize report card packets, she juggles responsibilities with a smile and a commitment to excellence,” the Ed Fund states.
Learning is “personal and engaging” in her classroom, where students are encouraged to think critically about their lives.
“She provides individualized support, offering one-on-one chats, breakout rooms for privacy, and personalized check-ins to ensure every student gets the help they need,” the Ed Fund states.
Meanwhile, Truman is specially trained to provide comfort and support to students.
“If he senses someone is feeling overwhelmed or anxious, he’ll gently lay at their feet to help them feel calm and grounded,” the Ed Fund states. “With his friendly presence and Teacher Marchesi’s guidance, Truman makes the classroom a more supportive and welcoming space for everyone.”
Hudson was described as providing his students more than an art lesson—”they find a safe, inclusive, and engaging space where creativity flourishes.”
The teacher helps students see how art can bring peace to their day, and that artistic skills grow with practice and dedication. Last year, he expanded opportunities for his students by bringing AP Drawing to RHS, giving them a platform to further develop their talents.
“What sets Mr. Hudson apart is that he goes beyond teaching art—he instills soft skills like focus, teamwork, project management, and meeting deadlines,” the Ed Fund stated. “His students don’t just grow as artists; they grow as individuals, gaining skills that serve them throughout high school and beyond.”
Cavazos is described as a teacher who has constructed a “loving, inclusive, and dynamic classroom where every student is seen, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential.” She calls her students “super estrellas” (superstars) and holds them to high standards. Daily songs and movement routines are featured in her classroom.
“Volunteers in her class are greeted and thanked by students and even get to read books before they leave—a testament to the community-centered environment she fosters,” the Ed Fund said.
She was praised for keeping families informed with daily messages and weekly updates in both English and Spanish on ClassDojo, and video links to reinforce learning goals.
“Her impact is life-changing—one parent shared how, with her patience and creative strategies, their child transformed from struggling with attention to thriving and loving school,” the Ed Fund states.
This year marks the 53rd anniversary of the county’s Teachers of the Year program. In April, the selection committee will select four teacher finalists from the submitted applications. Then, in September, at the 53rd Annual Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year celebration, two County winners will be announced. Tickets for the TOY celebration will be available in the spring. Donations to the program are welcome.
The two county teachers of the year will advance to compete in the State of California’s Teacher of the Year competition.
2025-2026 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Nominees:
Monika Voellm Acalanes Union High School District, Acalanes High School
Kristine Koepke, Antioch Unified School District, Sutter Elementary School
Amie Radabaugh, Brentwood Union School District, Adams Middle School
Julia Musser Byron Union School District, Discovery Bay Elementary School
Carianne Kowalski, CCCOE Student Programs, Diablo Vista Elementary School
Rebecca Harris, John Swett Unified School District, John Swett High School
Abe Naldjian, Knightsen Elementary School District, Old River Elementary School
Kristine Gingrich Lafayette School District, Lafayette Elementary School
Corey Spainhower, Liberty Union High School District, Liberty High School
Donica Katayanagi, Martinez Unified School District, Morello Park Elementary School
Joni Pearce, Moraga School District, Los Perales Elementary School
David Pintado, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Mt. Diablo High School
Elizabeth Swanson, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Silverwood Elementary School
Denise Holton, Oakley Union Elementary School District, Almond Grove Elementary School
Sarah Sable, Orinda Union Elementary School District, Sleepy Hollow Elementary School
Rosa Martinez Ocasio, Pittsburg Unified School District, Foothill Elementary School
Dima Khoury, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Neil Armstrong Elementary School
Don Busboom, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, San Ramon Valley High School
Kristen Giangregorio, Walnut Creek School District, Walnut Heights Intermediate School
Zsarleen Posadas, West Contra Costa Unified School District, Montalvin Manor Elementary School
Kaitlin Marchesi, West Contra Costa Unified School District, Vista Virtual Academy
Mark Wong, Contra Costa County Community College District, Contra Costa College