for immediate release
Student Success Coach Learning Network Honors Educators Across California with Impact Award
More than 90 nominations received across 14 organizations as SSCLN Education Impact Awards recognize standout educators across California
[Sacramento, CA - May 26, 2026] — Exceptional educators across California are being recognized for the difference they make, not only for their students, but for the future educators learning alongside them.
The California Student Success Coach Learning Network (SSCLN), a collaborative of 14 AmeriCorps service organizations across the state, has announced its inaugural Education Impact Award recipients, honoring classroom teachers and educators who go above and beyond in the classroom while mentoring AmeriCorps student success coaches—young adults serving as near-peer tutors and mentors in schools.
Across nearly 90 nominations, a clear theme emerged: these educators create classrooms where students feel supported, confident, and engaged, while also investing in the growth of the coaches working beside them. Nominators highlighted teachers who build strong relationships, drive meaningful academic and personal growth for students, and provide hands-on mentorship—offering guidance, real classroom experience, and empathetic encouragement that often inspires student success coaches to pursue careers in education.
“Great teachers don’t just impact the students in front of them—they invest in the adults working alongside them,” said Maggie Franco, executive director of the Student Success Coach Learning Network. “These honorees are paying it forward every day—sharing their knowledge, opening their classrooms, and mentoring our coaches who are just beginning their own journeys in education. That ripple effect is how we strengthen both our schools and the future educator workforce.”
Overall, 21 honorees were selected statewide. Honorees include:
● Nicole Davis - Coliseum Street Elementary School, LAUSD
● Mark Kevin Arante - Harmony Elementary School, LAUSD
● Adrian Salazar - James Madison Middle School, LAUSD
● Katherine Lazo - Harmony Elementary School, LAUSD
● Hector Pineda - John O’Connell High School, SFUSD
● Dr. Tracey Burns - Alameda County Office of Education
● Valeria Lopez - Santa Fe Elementary, Porterville USD
● Georgina Torres - Olive Street Elementary, Porterville USD
● Claudia Medrano - Santa Fe Elementary, Porterville USD
● Nathaniel Crocker- Westfield Elementary, Porterville USD
● Evelina Lara - John J. Doyle Elementary, Porterville USD
● Elizabeth Fierst - Aptos Middle School, SFUSD
● Natalia Arguello - Tenderloin Community Elementary, SFUSD
● Andrea James - Sanchez Elementary School, SFUSD
● Maria Pinon - Boronda Meadows Preschool, Salinas City USD
● Tressa Luke - Del Rey Elementary, King City USD
● Carma Sanchez - El Camino High School, Oceanside USD
● Freddie Chavarria - Oceanside High School, Oceanside USD
● Chelsea Sorich - Hannalei Elementary, Vista USD
● Aracely Hernandez - Valley Center Middle School, Valley Center-Pauma USD
● Maria Arreola - Monterey County Office of Education
Student success coaches work alongside teachers to provide 1:1 academic support, small group instruction, skills coaching and encouragement that helps students stay engaged and succeed. In turn, coaches gain hands-on experience in education—learning directly from educators who model effective teaching, relationship-building, and classroom leadership.
Lalah from City Year Los Angeles said of her nominee, “Ms. Davis is the best partner teacher anyone could ask for. She understands how challenging a year of service can be and always shows her appreciation. She believed I would be a great teacher before I even saw it myself, and her support gave me the confidence to pursue that path. The way she leads her classroom and includes me as a true partner has shown me what great teaching looks like and has made me a better student success coach.”
The SSCLN Education Impact Awards highlight the power of strong teacher-coach partnerships, not only in improving student outcomes, but in building a pipeline of future educators prepared to lead in classrooms and communities across California.
For more information on the Student Success Coach Learning Network, visit www.ssclearningnetwork-ca.org.
