A Wakefield Elementary and Pitman High School teacher are both finalists in the 2025 Stanislaus County Teachers of the Year contest. 

Edith Barraza, a kindergarten dual immersion teacher at Wakefield Elementary School, and Katie Jeans, who teaches Honors English 10 and AP Literature while also serving as the Associated Student Body advisor, are among the 12 finalists up for the Stanislaus County Teacher of the Year title in their respective categories.

The Modesto Rotary Club and the Stanislaus County Office of Education will honor the 12 finalists and announce the selection of four teachers as the 2025 Stanislaus County Teachers of the Year at a Rotary luncheon on May 6. The four selected as Teachers of the Year will each receive a $1,000 cash award from the Modesto Rotary Club Foundation. Mocse Credit Union also sponsors the event and provides funding for the awards and decorations.

Teachers were nominated by their principals and finalists were selected from 85 nominees representing 13 school districts in Stanislaus County. A selection committee, composed of local Rotarians and educators, narrowed the nominations through a paper screening process and then visited the classrooms of 24 semi-finalists before narrowing it down to the 12 finalists. 

Barraza has been teaching at Wakefield for nine years. She said that her third grade teacher, Mrs. Gutierrez inspired her to get into teaching.

“She always made me feel welcomed, supported, valued, seen and encouraged. She believed in my abilities and provided a positive learning environment where I felt safe and a sense of belonging. Mrs. Gutierrez saw my potential and pushed me to not give up and try. She gave me all the tools and the resources I needed to become successful in life. She also made me feel motivated, her lessons were always fun and engaging. Her compassion and her encouragement inspired me to do the same for others and to become a teacher,” said Barraza.

She said that seeing her students’ growth throughout the school year is the best part of her job.

“Every day, I am reminded of how truly special it is to be a part of their journey. Watching them grow, not just academically but socially and emotionally as well, fills my heart with pride. I know that the impact I have on their lives will last far beyond the classroom, and that is the greatest gift of all,” said Barraza. 

Jeans has been teaching for 21 years, 19 of those at Pitman High School. Jeans said she got into teaching because she wanted to be the type of educator that she had growing up.

“I was influenced by the heart that my teachers showed to their students and how special and validated that they made me feel.  I wanted to continue that legacy that was instilled in me and make my students feel seen and valued,” she said. “I wanted to focus on English in particular when I got to college because I wanted to make reading and writing feel accessible to students. I wanted them to get excited about reading a new book and discussing it. I wanted to help students to find their voices through speaking and writing and celebrate their unique and insightful ideas. If I can make the difference in the journey of at least one student then I have made them feel the same way that my teachers made me feel.”

Jeans said the best part of her job is interacting with so many students and listening to their ideas and thoughts.

“Pitman has my heart so I am so fortunate that through teaching, ASB, and the various teams that I am a part of that I get to extend my influence inside and outside of my classroom to support the success of all students on our campus,” she said.

This is the 26th year that Modesto Rotary and SCOE have joined efforts to honor teachers in Stanislaus County. The program not only honors local teachers and celebrates excellence in education, but it also provides an opportunity for teachers to receive state and national recognition. Two of the four 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.

“It is incredibly rewarding to partner with Modesto Rotary in celebrating the dedication and accomplishments of Stanislaus County’s educators," said County Superintendent of Schools Scott Kuykendall. "The teachers we honor prepare, encourage, and inspire students to reach their full potential. Their daily pursuit of excellence raises the standard of education across our community.”