COVINA, CA – Rene Romero, an International Baccalaureate (IB) Language and Literature teacher at South Hills High School, has been named one of only five 2026 California Teachers of the Year, earning the honor for more than two decades of work empowering students to feel confident, capable, and prepared to pursue their goals.

As a California Teacher of the Year, Romero now serves as an ambassador for education, demonstrating exemplary teaching, engaging with leaders in Sacramento, and promoting innovative practices that motivate and inspire both current and future educators.

“I really try to humanize myself and model vulnerability to my students to help them understand that it’s ok to make mistakes and to get comfortable asking questions and being inquisitive,” Romero said. “Being named a California Teacher of the Year has really left me at a loss for words. It is a tremendous honor to be recognized for the work I have done.”

Romero, a first-generation college student and son of immigrants, spoke only Spanish until second grade. He recalls being placed in a non-English-speaking group at the back of the classroom and often overlooked – an experience that he said continues to shape his approach to teaching.

Inspired by later teachers who believed in him and valued his contributions, Romero discovered his own passion in teaching, hoping to offer his students the same sense of belonging and possibility.

“I ultimately want my students to know that I care about them and am their biggest supporter,” Romero said. “They make me so proud every day.”

Romero greets every student at the door and bids them goodbye each day. He also takes the time to visit each table during independent work to check in, notice small details, and spark conversations, whether about new shoes or favorite sports teams.

These small, intentional gestures help form the foundation of the trust and respect Romero cultivates in his classroom.

“I had a student named to homecoming court whose parents did not see the value in it and therefore did not want to escort them at our school rally,” Romero said. “This student asked me to escort them instead. Examples like this, where I’m seen as a role model and a pseudo father figure, means a lot. It is a tremendous privilege and validates everything I strive to do.”

Romero earned his bachelor’s degree in English from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and received his teaching credential from Azusa Pacific University. He later completed a master’s degree in cultural studies at Claremont Graduate University, knowledge that he seamlessly weaves into his IB curriculum at South Hills High. Outside the classroom, Romero enjoys cooking for his family and cheering on his son at soccer practices and games.

“We are so honored to have such an extraordinary teacher as Mr. Romero teaching in Covina-Valley Unified and representing our District as a California Teacher of the Year,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Blackmore said. “His passion and dedication to students is inspirational, and we are so proud of him for this accomplishment.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

CVUSD_ROMERO1: Rene Romero, South Hills High School International Baccalaureate (IB) Language and Literature teacher, has been named one of only five 2026 California Teachers of the Year.

CVUSD_ROMERO2: South Hills High teacher Rene Romero greets every student at the door and takes the time to visit each table during independent work to check in, notice small details, and spark conversations. Romero was named a 2026 California Teacher of the Year.