IUSD announced the three Teachers of the Year and the four Teachers of Promise for the 2025-26 school year today. IUSD’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes exceptional instructors at the high, middle and elementary school levels.
Darren Canejo - Middle School Teacher of the Year
Darren Canejo, an Education Specialist at Sierra Vista Middle School, embodies integrity, empowerment, learning, collaboration, and trust. His dedication to fostering inclusion for Extensive Support Needs (ESN) students at Sierra Vista has transformed the program and strengthened the entire school community. He uses engaging, meaningful instructional strategies to promote real-world learning and independence. Through his on-campus leadership, he successfully runs Sierra Vista’s Coffee Cart, where every ESN student develops vocational, communication, and social skills weekly as a barista. He also established the Charger Buddies program, pairing general education and ESN students three times a week for activities like games, art, and dance, fostering genuine friendships and campus-wide inclusion.
As the lead organizer for Abilities Awareness Day, Darren's work inspired department-wide lessons on empathy, diversity, and inclusion, leading to increased engagement between general education and ESN students both on campus and in the community. Darren not only uplifts his students but also inspires his colleagues. His creativity, positivity, and collaborative spirit motivate other teachers to innovate, connect, and see the potential in every student.
Excellence in Teaching
Excellence in Teaching Awards Banquet
All of this year’s honorees will be formally recognized on April 30 at the Excellence in Teaching Awards program, organized each year by the Irvine Teachers Association and IUSD.
Teachers of Promise
IUSD also recognizes a handful of standout first- and second-year teachers, who are announced as “Teachers of Promise. View the 2025-26 Teachers of Promise.
Join us in congratulating these outstanding teachers!