During Republic FC’s Back to School Night match on September 12, the club continued its tradition of honoring the dedicated educators and school employees who are making a difference in the lives of students across the region. In partnership with SchoolsFirst, Republic FC recognized the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) 2027 Teachers of the Year and 2026 Classified Employees of the Year.
The honorees represent districts throughout Sacramento County and were selected for their exemplary work performance, school and community involvement, and leadership.
Teacher of the Year Honorees
- Mary Linden – Arthur S. Dudley Elementary School (Center Joint USD)
- Kristina Green – Natomas Charter School (Charter School Association)
- Amanda Holder – Toby Johnson Middle School (Elk Grove USD)
- Diana Yanez Pittenger – Barbara Comstock-Morse Elementary School (Elk Grove USD)
- Dawn Critchfield-Dober – Russell Ranch Elementary School (Folsom Cordova USD)
- Maria Rugama – Galt High School (Galt Joint UHSD)
- Amanda Lie – H. Allen Hight Elementary School (Natomas USD)
- Elise Wootton – Walnut Grove Elementary School (River Delta USD)
- Gitzelle Diaz Mendoza – Glenwood Elementary School (Robla USD)
- Becky Van Nest – Golden Empire Elementary School (Sacramento USD)
- Kristen Van Tuyl – California Middle School (Sacramento City USD)
- Lisa Saenz – W.E. Mitchell Middle School (Twin Rivers USD)
- Angela Spalding – Thomas Edison Language Institute (San Juan USD)
- Angela Nicholas – Carmichael Elementary School (San Juan USD)
- Jarrett Black – Rio Linda High School (Twin Rivers USD)
- Mandie Tepe – Sierra View Elementary School (Twin Rivers USD)
Classified Employee of the Year Honorees
- Yvette Buggs – Elementary School Secretary (Elk Grove USD)
- Jesse Hernandez – Custodian (Folsom Cordova USD)
- Conor Allison – IT User Support Analyst (Twin Rivers USD)
- Larry Hollins – Campus Safety Specialist (Twin Rivers USD)
- Sarah Kimura – Library Technician (Elk Grove USD)
- Diana Tobin – Food Service Worker (Folsom Cordova USD)
- Joanna Knight – Mental Health Specialist (Folsom Cordova USD)
- Kevin Nguyen – Bus Driver / Scheduling Technician (Elk Grove USD)
- John White – Maintenance Mechanic (Folsom Cordova USD)
