Crowell Elementary School education specialist Tami Compton was named Teacher of the Year for the 4th to 6th grade category during the 2026 Stanislaus County Teachers of the Year award luncheon on Tuesday.
This is the 27th year that Modesto Rotary and Stanislaus County Office of Education have joined efforts to honor teachers in Stanislaus County. The program not only honors local teachers and celebrates excellence in education but also provides an opportunity for teachers to receive state and national recognition. Two of the Teachers of the Year will be selected, through an interview process, to represent Stanislaus County in the State Teacher of the Year Program. One state winner then proceeds to the national level.
“Teachers shape the future of Stanislaus County through their dedication and care for students, and we are grateful to Modesto Rotary for their continued partnership in honoring some of the very best among them,” said County Superintendent of Schools Scott Kuykendall.
Other 2026 Teachers of the Year are: Lindsay Nguyen from Stroud Elementary School in the Empire Union School District – TK-3rd category; Kathy Borges from Cesar Chavez Junior High School in the Ceres Unified School District – Junior High 7-8th category; and Aimee Shepherd-Matlock from Modesto High School in the Modesto City Schools District – High School 9-12th category.
Compton has been a teacher for 16 years. She said her kindergarten teacher inspired her path into education.
“She created a space where every student felt valued and connected. As I explored teaching, I wanted to build that same sense of belonging for my students,” she said.
Compton said her favorite part of being a teacher is “having the little moments where we try a strategy and find it matches a student's learning style — where it all 'clicks' for them. It is incredibly rewarding to watch their confidence and independence grow.”
Her advice to those thinking about a teaching career: “If you are considering becoming a teacher, know that while it can be very challenging, it is also deeply meaningful. On the hard days, hold onto your ‘why’ because those moments do come, and they stay with you.”
The four selected as Teachers of the Year each received a $1,000 cash award from the Modesto Rotary Club Foundation. Mocse Credit Union also sponsored the event and provided funding for the awards.
The Jane Johnston Civility Award was presented to Richard Rocha from Bret Harte Elementary School in the Modesto City Schools District. Rocha received a $1,000 cash award from the Education Foundation of Stanislaus County for exemplifying one of the 12 traits of civility. The Civility Award is in honor of Jane Johnston, former SCOE Assistant Superintendent and Education Foundation member.
