EL MONTE – El Monte High School history teacher Sara Quezada, a 37-year educator known for her innovative teaching and steadfast dedication to students, has been named El Monte Union High School District’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year. Quezada, who has spent the last decade inspiring learners at El Monte High, was honored during a Board meeting on Oct. 15.

“In my class, it’s about having cariño [care], where students feel empowered and prepared to tackle the rigor of higher education,” Quezada said. “I want students to develop critical thinking, strengthen their writing, and understand the complexities of history from multiple perspectives. It’s about helping them see the patterns of the past to better understand today.”

Throughout her career, Quezada has been at the forefront of student success. At South El Monte High School (SEMHS), she co-led the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program and pioneered the District’s ethnic studies curriculum, which is designed to bring empowering local history to the forefront.

Through the AVID program, Quezada guided students in college preparation and organized trips to colleges across the state, while designing projects that foster community involvement. Her last AVID class saw all 40 seniors accepted to four-year universities.

At El Monte High, Quezada spearheaded a partnership between the Social Studies and English departments to provide a more enriching learning experience for students through coordinated cross-curricular lesson plans. This collaboration has contributed to significant academic success, including standardized test pass rates of 69.5% – well above the state average.

In the classroom, Quezada works with English Language Learners who speak languages from around the world, including Vietnamese, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Tagalog, and Mayan dialects. She helps students build both language and history skills, integrating language instruction with history lessons, giving students opportunities to read, write, and speak while analyzing historical events and perspectives.

“Sara Quezada exemplifies the power of innovative, student-centered teaching,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “Her dedication to connecting curriculum across subjects and creating inclusive, engaging learning environments has a lasting impact on her students and sets a high standard for educators across the District.”

Beyond the classroom, Quezada has served as department chair for the history department and currently co-chairs the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) committee.

Quezada said she draws inspiration from her early experiences in social justice and the communities she grew up in, channeling that motivation into a lifelong commitment to student growth and success.

“Teaching initially started as just a job for me, but seeing the impact I can have on students’ lives is what drives me,” Quezada said. “I want to help my students gain the skills, confidence, and perspective they need to succeed, whether in college or beyond. Every day, I am reminded of the power of teaching.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

EMUHSD_TEACHER OF THE YEAR_1: El Monte High School history teacher Sara Quezada receives an award and her name on the honoree plaque after being recognized as the District’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year during a Board meeting on Oct. 15.

EMUHSD_TEACHER OF THE YEAR_2: Surrounded by her family, colleagues, administrators, and student leaders, El Monte High School history teacher Sara Quezada celebrates being named the District’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year during a Board meeting on Oct. 15.