Teacher of the Year Announced

The San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) is excited to announce that Brian Neugebauer has been named the 2025 San Joaquin County Teacher of the Year.  

As San Joaquin County Teacher of the Year, Neugebauer received $1,000 from Self-Help Federal Credit Union. Neugebauer's nomination will now be submitted to the state for consideration as California Teacher of the Year.

Neugebauer is an exceptional high school science teacher with 20 years of experience who teaches biotechnology and chemistry to students in 10th through 12th grade at Linden High School (Linden Unified School District). Neugebauer knows his students well. He makes science accessible and meaningful. He sets high expectations and has the gift of engaging all students in the classroom. Students don’t just connect — they are excited to learn what he is teaching.

"Brian Neugebauer exemplifies what it means to be an engaging, compassionate, and effective teacher," Linden High Principal Todd Dunaway said in Neugebauer's nomination. He believes every student is capable of success and is committed to promoting critical thinking by challenging students to explore multiple perspectives, Dunaway said. "He encourages students to question, analyze, and think deeply about concepts taught in class."

The announcement was the culminating moment at the 2025 San Joaquin County Classified Employees, School Counselor, and Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration Dinner, held at the SJCOE on Thursday, April 10. The annual awards honor the best of the best in the education profession and celebrate all the talented, caring, and committed educators and school personnel who make a difference in the lives of their students and the community. 

The SJCOE announced the county Classified School Employees of the Year and School Counselor of the Year winners earlier this year. Each winner received $500 from Self-Help Federal Credit Union. Teacher of the Year finalists also received $500 from Self-Help Federal Credit Union.

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SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY SCHOOL COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR

Mercedes Morales-Villa
Grade-level: 6-8
Years of experience: 3
School: Williams Middle School
District: Tracy Unified School District

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY TEACHER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Kristin Miller
Grade-level: 11-12
Years of experience: 11
School: Lathrop High School
Organization: Manteca Unified School District

Brian Neugebauer*
Grade-level: 10-12
Years of experience: 20
School: Linden High School
District: Linden Unified School District
*2025 San Joaquin County Teacher of the Year

Sarah Silvinson
Grade-level: 9-12
Years of experience: 13
School: Tracy High School
District: Tracy Unified School District

Isaiah Stowers
Grade-level: 8
Years of experience: 8
School: Delta Sierra Middle
District: Lodi Unified School District

Teresa Whiteside
Grade-level: 7-8
Years of experience: 27
School: Sierra Middle School
District: Lincoln Unified School District

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR

CLERICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Maria Franco
Job title: Student Support Technician
Years in current position: 5
School: McKinley Elementary School
District: Stockton Unified School District

FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES

Michael "Mickey" Ortega
Job title: Warehouse Distribution Driver
Years in current position: 6
District: Linden Unified School District

CUSTODIAL AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES

Mariano Rillamas
Job title: Night Custodian
Years in current position: 21
School: Linden High School
District: Linden Unified School District

HEALTH AND STUDENT SERVICES

Adam Showers
Job title: Campus Connection Technician
Years in current position: 7
School: one.Charter Main
Organization: SJCOE

PARAPROFESSIONAL

Griselda Martinez
Job title: Bilingual Interpreter
Years in current position: 9
School: Lincoln Unified Annex
District: Lincoln Unified School District 

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

David Halla
Job title: Warehouseman
Years in current position: 11
District: Manteca Unified School District

SECURITY SERVICES

Stephanie Libhart
Job title:  Public Safety Officer
Years in current position: 12
District: Lincoln Unified School District

TECHNICAL SERVICES

Tiffanie Heben
Job title: Library Aide
Years in current position: 5
School: Jefferson School
District: Jefferson Elementary School District