Great teachers are a gift, and three of L.A. County’s most outstanding teachers have been recognized as the 2025 California Teachers of the Year. They will spend a full year serving as ambassadors of teaching excellence for the state. Recognized for their dedication and innovative teaching methods, the educators stood out among a field of 69 talented nominees before going on to snag the coveted positions.
The L.A. County-based California Teachers of the Year are:
- Matthew Winheim: A middle school STEM aviation and mathematics teacher at SAGE (Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration) Magnet Academy in the Palmdale Unified School District. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond nominated Winheim to represent California in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
- Nicholas Westfall: A high school physical education teacher at Alexander Hamilton Senior High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Westfall’s commitment to student engagement and physical fitness has made a significant impact in his community.
- Arby Jean Wolkov: An American Sign Language teacher at William Howard Taft Charter High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Wolkov is recognized for fostering inclusivity and communication among students.
In addition to the winners, there were three L.A. County finalists:
- Jesse Braun: A middle school library, yearbook and home hospital teacher at Beverly Vista Middle School in the Beverly Hills Unified School District.
- Courtney Franz: A transitional kindergarten to fifth-grade special education teacher at Holly Avenue Elementary School in the Arcadia Unified School District.
- Erica Lundy: A fifth-grade multiple-subject gifted and highly gifted teacher at Welby Way Charter Elementary and Gifted-High Ability School in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Each awardee received a $1,000 cash prize from California Credit Union, the program’s platinum sponsor, in recognition of their contributions to education.
The teachers submitted essays, lesson plans and other materials that were judged by a panel of past California Teachers of the Year. Teachers were celebrated for their innovative teaching methods, ability to inspire and motivate students and commitment to creating a positive learning environment, says Van Nguyen, a public affairs officer with the Los Angeles County of Education.
For more information on the award program, visit the California Department of Education’s California Teachers of the Year web page.