For over 40 years, the Ed Fund has proudly honored the district’s most outstanding educators through the Teaching Excellence Awards. These teachers go above and beyond to place students at the heart of the learning experience. As public education continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, celebrating the dedication, creativity, and impact of West Contra Costa Unified School District educators is more meaningful than ever.

2025 Teaching Excellence Award winners

We are thrilled to introduce the 37th cohort of Teaching Excellence Award winners! For the 2025 awards, we centered our selection on educators who prioritize social-emotional learning and elevate the voices and experiences of marginalized students in their classrooms.

With nominations submitted by community members across the district, classroom visits, and thoughtful interviews with each finalist, the Ed Fund—together with WCCUSD—is proud to recognize the following five outstanding teachers:

2025 Soaring to Excellence Tickets

See Past Awardees

In Ms. Marchesi’s classroom, learning is personal and engaging. She encourages students to think critically about their lives, recently guiding a discussion on “atomic habits” where students reflected on daily routines and how small changes could lead to healthier, more productive choices. She provides individualized support and breakout rooms for privacy to ensure every student gets the help they need. Through her encouraging calls to action, constant availability, and her deep connections with staff, students, and families, she creates a welcoming, tight-knit school community where everyone feels supported. Ms. Marchesi will represent WCCUSD in the County’s Teachers of the Year (TOY) competition!

With over 20 years of experience, Maestra Cavazos has built a loving, inclusive, and dynamic classroom where every student is seen and valued. She calls her students “super estrellas” (superstars) and holds them to high standards, seeking new ways to support their growth. She works with parents and teachers to meet diverse learning needs, committed to understanding what works best for each student.

In her classroom, learning is an adventure! From interactive storytime that fuels imagination to art projects that help students express themselves while grasping new concepts, Mrs. Barrios ensures that every child feels engaged and excited to learn. Right before winter break, her students put on a wonderful play, where each child had the opportunity to shine, building their confidence and enthusiasm for learning. Mrs. Barrios is deeply committed to academic growth, using visuals, repetition, and patient guidance to make foundational skills accessible.

Mr. Hudson ensures that every student develops their unique love for art, helping them see how it brings peace to their day and that artistic skills grow with dedication. Mr. Hudson goes beyond teaching art—he instills skills like focus, teamwork, and project management. Last year, he brought AP Drawing to RHS, giving students an expanded platform to further develop their talents.

Mrs. Posadas’ “can-do, let’s-make-it-work” attitude, creates a supportive and rigorous learning environment for students and families. Beyond her classroom, Mrs. Posadas is a mentor to resident teachers, helping them gain confidence. Her impact extends throughout the school, where staff, students, and families light up when they see her because of the care and dedication she brings to her role. Her students rise to the challenge of her high expectations, developing autonomy and deep academic understanding. Mrs. Posadas will also represent WCCUSD in the County’s Teachers of the Year (TOY) competition!

Join us in celebrating these exceptional educators, our Partner of the Year, and this year’s scholarship recipients at our annual Soaring to Excellence celebration on May 29, 2025. To get your event tickets or to donate, click here!