WHITTIER – From the moment California High School social science teacher Christine Segura graduated from Cal High in 2012, she sought to return to the school and district that she loved so much. Since being hired fulltime in 2021, Segura has expanded her responsibilities, serving as yearbook advisor, assistant volleyball coach, and as Co-Lead for Cal High’s Business Academy pathway.

Now, Segura will begin a new role as an education advocate after receiving a Teach Plus California Policy Fellowship, making her one of just 20 California teachers to receive a fellowship in 2025. Teach Plus is a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering teachers to lead key policy initiatives that advance equity, opportunity, and student success.

As a Teach Plus Fellow, Segura will meet once a month for policy and advocacy training, while collaborating with her focus group peers as they work to make change for California students. Skills developed through Teach Plus include opinion writing, storytelling for impact, and connecting with legislators.

“I can’t wait to get started. This is an amazing opportunity to advocate on behalf of my community and students all over California,” Segura said. “I feel like I have so much to bring to the table. I see a lot of different points of view on campus, which has helped me gain awareness. There is so much we are doing in Whittier that I would like to share.”

Segura has been placed on the Teach Plus Fellowship funding committee, where she will be joined by a familiar face, her brother and Cal High Class of 2007 graduate, Anthony Segura. Anthony, who was named San Jacinto Unified Teacher of the Year in 2025, as well as a Riverside County Teacher of the Year, encouraged Christine to apply for the fellowship.

“Anthony knew I loved working with policy and advocating, so he recommended that I apply,” Segura said. “Anthony is now a senior fellow and we’re not sure how it happened but we got placed in the same group. We’re very different, he’s a special education teacher, so it’s nice to have him there. He has always been a great role model for me.”

When Segura was a Cal High student, she participated in the same programs that she is helping to oversee now: the Business Academy, volleyball, and yearbook.

After attending Cal State Long Beach and earning her teaching credential, Segura taught for two years at an East Los Angeles charter school, but said she always yearned to return home.

“In the beginning, I subbed and volunteered at various schools. The two years I was in East Los Angeles really helped me find myself as a professional and then I was able to return,” Segura said. “I feel so supported at Cal High. It’s a great full circle moment and it’s a joy to work with my former teachers. It’s like the cherry on top. I love the school and I love the District.”

Among the issues that Segura hopes to advocate for are teacher retention, the social well-being of students, and providing fee waivers for college applications and Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

“At Whittier Union, we offer fee waivers for AP testing and the positive impact this has for our families is considerable,” Segura said. “For certain income levels, the families can afford the fees, but for others it can be a financial burden, especially if their child is taking multiple AP classes. These are among the issues I would like to focus on as a Teach Plus Fellow.”

The Teach Plus Fellowship is a 12-month program that includes an annual stipend and allows teachers to continue their classroom instruction without interruption. Fellows may use personal days only for special activities such as testifying before Congress, providing input to policymakers, or hosting legislators on campus.

In 2024, Teach Plus educators advocated for key initiatives, including increased funding for literacy and math coaches, expansion of the Golden State Teacher and National Board Certification Incentive grants, and continued development of the English Learner Roadmap.

“We are incredibly proud of Christine and her recognition as a Teach Plus Fellow,” Principal Shana Jones said. “She exemplifies the dedication and excellence of our educators at Cal High and across Whittier Union, continually going above and beyond to support students and enrich their educational experience. Congratulations to Christine on this well-deserved honor.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

WUHSD_FELLOWSHIP1: California High School social science teacher Christina Segura has received a Teach Plus California Policy Fellowship, making her one of just 20 California teachers to receive a fellowship in 2025.

WUHSD_FELLOWSHIP2: California High School Class of 2012 graduate and current social science teacher Christine Segura now helps lead many of the same programs she once participated in as a student, including the Business Academy, volleyball, and yearbook.