Sacramento, CA – The California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) proudly announced today, Monday, November 10, the recipients of the 2026 Hart Vision Teacher of the Year Awards and Rachel Willis-Henry Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing the extraordinary contributions of charter public school teachers and volunteers who are driving innovation and excellence in California's charter school movement.
“At the heart of every thriving charter public school are the teachers and volunteers whose dedication uplifts entire communities,” said Myrna Castrejón, President and CEO of CCSA. “This year’s Hart Vision Award honorees embody excellence, compassion, and the spirit of service that define California’s charter movement. Our teachers are transforming lives through their leadership and innovation in the classroom, while our volunteers strengthen schools through their generosity and commitment. Together, they remind us of the extraordinary impact individuals can have when they put students first."
CCSA will recognize and celebrate the contributions of these extraordinary individuals at the 2026 California Charter Schools Conference during its February 25, 2026 Teacher Summit at the Long Beach Convention Center. This dynamic summit centers teachers at the heart of California's charter public schools — providing high-impact professional development, meaningful networking opportunities, and inspiration to carry back to the classroom. Learn more about the conference and register here.
2026 Hart Vision Award Recipients
California Teacher of the Year
Guadalupe Covarrubias
Magnolia Science Academy 2, Magnolia Public Schools – Los Angeles
Guadalupe Covarrubias is celebrated as the 2026 Hart Vision Teacher of the Year for elevating students academically, connecting families culturally, and strengthening staff morale—making her an irreplaceable leader whose influence will last for years to come. Her exceptional AP Spanish program has delivered consistently high student success in a rigorous and supportive learning environment for more than a decade and she has transformed our annual Día de los Muertos festival into a cherished tradition that celebrates student heritage, engages families, and unites the entire school community.
Regional Teacher of the Year – Bay Area
Maria Trinidad Humildad
Latino College Preparatory Academy, The Foundation for Hispanic Education – San Jose
Maria Humildad’s exceptional AP Spanish instruction at Latino College Preparatory Academy fuels her students’ consistently outstanding results, including a 98% pass rate in AP Spanish Language and 100% in AP Spanish Literature this past year. Beyond academics, she creates dynamic, culturally rich learning experiences—like the annual “Imaginary Latin American Tour”—that celebrate student identity and strengthen connections between school and home. Her mentorship, leadership, and dedication leave a lasting impact on both students and the broader school community.
Regional Teacher of the Year – Los Angeles
Dayna Rosso
Stella Elementary Charter Academy, Bright Star Schools – Los Angeles
Dayna Rosso’s student-centered approach to mathematics instruction at Stella Elementary Charter Academy empowers learners to take ownership of their learning and develop both computational skills and mathematical reasoning. Her innovative practices—including differentiated small-group instruction, student leadership roles, and targeted support for multilingual learners and students with disabilities—have driven remarkable academic growth, with 74% of students meeting or exceeding state standards. Beyond the classroom, Dayna mentors colleagues and fosters a culture of inclusion, celebration, and high expectations across the school community.
Regional Teacher of the Year – NorCal/Central Valley
Armando Murillo
University High School – Fresno
Armando Murillo’s innovative, hands-on approach to teaching math has dramatically increased AP Statistics passage rates and made learning engaging and meaningful for every student. Beyond academics, he fosters a supportive and inclusive classroom and school community, inspiring students to excel, take risks, and see themselves as capable learners and future STEM leaders. Armando’s positive energy and collegial spirit inspire others. He collaborates generously, offering ideas, resources, and strategies that lift the work of the entire faculty and charter colleagues statewide.
Regional Teacher of the Year – Southern California
Nancy Alcalá
Orange County School of the Arts – Santa Ana
Nancy Alcalá demonstrates transformative leadership and dedication to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and artistic excellence at Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA). She inspires students across multiple grade levels with engaging ceramics and visual arts instruction, creating a nurturing environment where all learners feel empowered to explore their creativity. Beyond the classroom, Nancy plays an integral role in executing large-scale community initiatives, including curriculum development and the annual OCSA Connects Community Arts Festival, expanding access to arts education and strengthening connections between the school and the broader community.
Established in 1995 in honor of former California State Senator and Secretary of Education Gary K. Hart, the visionary behind the Charter Schools Act of 1992, the Hart Vision Awards are among the highest honors in California’s charter school community. Presented annually at the California Charter Schools Conference, these awards celebrate individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and dedication to advancing charter public schools.
In addition to recognizing outstanding educators, CCSA honors outstanding volunteers who contribute to the success of charter public schools with the Rachel Willis-Henry Volunteer of the Year award. This award is named in honor of the late Rachel Willis-Henry, who dedicated countless hours to working with public charter schools as both a volunteer and part of CCSA’s staff, and her efforts to lead charter public school families, volunteers, and staff throughout her career.
2026 Rachel Willis-Henry Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient
Volunteer of the Year
Juana Morales Aguilar
Making Waves Academy – Richmond
Juana Morales Aguilar is lauded as the 2026 Rachel Willis-Henry Volunteer of the Year Award of the Year for her unwavering dedication and tireless support of Making Waves Academy, consistently contributing her time, energy, and talents to strengthen the school community. Beyond her hands-on volunteer work, she has stepped into leadership and advocacy roles, amplifying parent voices and promoting educational equity, making a lasting impact both within the school and in the broader community.
CCSA extends its congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding contributions to California’s charter public schools.
Register Now for the 2026 California Charter Schools Conference (February 23-26, Long Beach) to celebrate these incredible teachers and volunteers and join the largest statewide charter conference in the nation. For media interviews, please contact Ana Tintocalis, CCSA Vice President of Public Relations & Creative Services, [email protected] 916.666.2274
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About the California Charter Schools Association
The vision of the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) is to build great public schools of joy and rigor that prepare all California students for success in college, career, community, and life. The mission of CCSA is to meet parent, educator, and community need for great public school options by supporting and advocating for high quality non-profit charter schools and sharing their success throughout California’s public schools. Learn more.