EL MONTE – Mountain View High School (MVHS) English teacher and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Coordinator Coreen Pineda is fueled by her love for her students, working tirelessly every day to inspire them to achieve great things and have confidence in their abilities.

These qualities have earned Pineda recognition by the El Monte Promise Foundation, honoring her with the Roberto “Bobby” Salcedo Esperanza Award for Outstanding Educators, an annual award presented to educators who exemplify a commitment to students and education. Pineda received her award during the foundation’s 20th annual Tamalada Gala on Dec. 7.

Pineda was celebrated during the event by her family, friends, colleagues and a select group of students from MVHS VISTA Academy who attended to record the festivities. MVHS Principal Jose Bañas and MVHS parent Maria Ramos praised Pineda for her impactful work and positive character.

“First, I would like to begin by thanking the El Monte Promise Foundation for this prestigious award and recognition. I am extremely grateful to be nominated let alone selected among these exceptional educators,” Pineda said. “Thank you to my students who make my job so delightful and keep me coming to work every day. I try my hardest to show them that they can achieve so much in their lives despite any struggles they are facing. I would also not be here today if it were not for my wonderful administration and coworkers turned friends who have supported me every step of the way. Last but certainly not least I’d like to thank my family for encouraging and loving me throughout my journey.”

Pineda, a Mountain View High alumna, went to school with Roberto “Bobby” Salcedo, a respected El Monte Union educator and administrator for whom the award is named for. Salcedo served on the El Monte City School District Board of Education at the time of his untimely death in 2009.

“We sat on the Associated Student Body together in high school,” Pineda said. “Years later, when he became my boss at Mountain View, I got to continue getting to know him better. He was incredibly inspirational and the kind of administrator who would walk across campus to get things done personally.”

While Pineda attended MVHS, she was inspired by her teachers to pursue a career in education. She went on to major in English at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and has been teaching at her alma mater for the past 23 years.

In her free time, Pineda said she enjoys spending time with her family and cheering on her sons in their various athletic endeavors.

“Coreen Pineda is an awe-inspiring and well-loved teacher, who truly embodies all the values we promote at El Monte Union,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “Her tireless efforts, innovative teaching techniques and genuine care for her students to thrive academically and personally make her the perfect recipient of the Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award. Congratulations, Mrs. Pineda!”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

EMUHSD_BOBBY SALCEDO AWARD_1: Mountain View High School (MVHS) English teacher and Advancement Via Individual Determination Coordinator Coreen Pineda (second to right) celebrates with her family after receiving the Roberto “Bobby” Salcedo Esperanza Award for Outstanding Educators during the El Monte Promise Foundation’s 20th annual Tamalada Gala on Dec. 7. Celebrating with her from left to right: Pineda’s sister Irene Gomez, MVHS Teacher Prep Academy Co-Director and sister-in-law Mary Boutté, South El Monte High School sophomore and son Max Pineda, her husband Fred Pineda and sister Lisa Trujillo-Perrault.

EMUHSD_BOBBY SALCEDO AWARD_2: Mountain View High School English teacher and Advancement Via Individual Determination Coordinator Coreen Pineda thanks the community as she accepts her Roberto “Bobby” Salcedo Esperanza Award for Outstanding Educators during the El Monte Promise Foundation’s 20th annual Tamalada Gala on Dec. 7.

EMUHSD_BOBBY SALCEDO AWARD_3: Mountain View High School (MVHS) VISTA Academy students interview MVHS English teacher and Advancement Via Individual Determination Coordinator Coreen Pineda on her recognition as a Roberto “Bobby” Salcedo Esperanza Award recipient during the El Monte Promise Foundation’s 20th annual Tamalada Gala on Dec. 7. The Roberto “Bobby” Salcedo Esperanza Award is an annual award presented to educators who exemplifies a commitment to students and education.