School: University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

Years in Education: 40

Professor Larry Levine has spent 40 years inspiring future attorneys at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. Known for his wisdom, encouragement, and genuine connection with students, he helps them achieve their dreams and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Larry is the founder of a civil rights scholarship supporting law students pursuing protections for the LGBTQ+ community and the 2025 recipient of the University of the Pacific Distinguished Faculty Award. As the first university professor recognized by the 49ers Foundation as a Teacher of the Game, he embodies the leadership, dedication, and heart that define exceptional educators.

School: Martin Luther King Jr. Junior High School

Grade: 6th & 8th Grade

Years in Education: 28

Synthia Walker teaches 6th and 8th grade at Martin Luther King Jr. Junior High School, where she's known for her unwavering commitment to student growth, organization, and confidence. She creates a supportive classroom environment that helps students build strong routines, develop a growth mindset, and recognize their own value—both academically and personally.

Beyond the classroom, Synthia founded an educational nonprofit that provides college prep, financial literacy, and mentoring programs for students and families. A 2024 Classified Employee of the Year honoree and longtime community advocate, she's also a proud 49ers Faithful who travels far and wide to support her favorite team, embodying the leadership, dedication, and heart that define exceptional educators.

School: Livermore High School

Grade: High School

Years in Education: 20

Gabe Castro teaches at Livermore High School, where he's known for his creativity, passion, and playful energy. He's built a classroom that's a safe space for all students—a place to learn, connect, and feel seen. Through his video program, he founded Cowboy Alley Productions and launched the Cowboy Alley Film Festival, which highlights student films each year at the historic Vine Theater.

Beyond teaching, Gabe leads CBNN (Cowboy Nation News) and Operation Needledrop, an annual music video that brings the entire school together. A Teacher of the Year honoree, mentor, and JV football coach, he's known across campus simply as "Castro." A big kid at heart, Star Wars fan, and proud Bay Area sports supporter, Gabe embodies the joy and connection that define great educators.

School: Hoover Community School

Grade: 3rd

Years in Education: 26

Laura Lentz teaches at Hoover Community School, where she's known for her compassion, professionalism, and dedication. At a Title I school, she creates a classroom that feels like a second home by decorating her space, providing toys and games, and securing grants and DonorsChoose funding to give her students enriching experiences beyond the classroom.

Beyond teaching, Laura fosters strong family connections through regular communication and storytelling that bring parents into their child's learning journey. A longtime participant in 49ers EDU programs, she's inspired countless students through field trips and hands-on learning at Levi's® Stadium.

School: Albany Middle School

Grade: 8th

Years in Education: 22

Richard currently serves as Head of the Math Department at Albany Middle School and is known for his optimism, creativity, and commitment to making learning engaging and accessible for all students. He created the district-wide "A+ Math" digital resource and newsletter, offering fun games and activities that inspire curiosity and confidence in math.

Beyond the classroom, Richard builds community as a coach, mentor, and volunteer—leading the school's Game Board Club, coaching multiple sports, and supporting youth through local organizations. A proud Albany alumnus, his dedication continues to leave a lasting mark on students and families alike.

School: Bethany Elementary School

Grade: 6th – 8th

Years in Education: 12

Brittney teaches math and science and serves as Bethany's Leadership Coordinator, where she works tirelessly to make learning accessible and meaningful for every student. Her motto, "Not yet, but you will," inspires confidence in learners of all levels, helping Bethany achieve the largest science test gains in the district this year.

She also leads more than 40 student leaders in building a positive and inclusive campus culture through events like Cultural Night, spirit weeks, and community drives. Her leadership and compassion leave a lasting mark, reminding students they will always "bleed red and have a heart of gold."

School: Washington Middle School

Grade: 7th and 8th Grade

Years In Education: 6 Years

Jordan currently serves as an Intervention Specialist and PBIS Tier 1–3 Lead at Washington Middle School, where he provides individual and group counseling, supports academically struggling 8th graders, and develops school-wide lesson plans that strengthen both academic and social-emotional growth.

Since 2019, Jordan has built programs that bring the school community together—coordinating intramural sports tournaments, Family Nights, and key interventions like the Afterschool Homework Center. His leadership has earned multiple Positive Behavioral Intervention Specialist Platinum Implementation awards and recognition as a District Champion, reflecting his commitment to being a positive influence for every student he encounters.

School: Junipero Serra Elementary School

Grade: K - 5th Grade

Years In Education: 23 Years

Luis currently serves as an Instructional Coach and has dedicated his career to uplifting marginalized communities. He began as a paraprofessional and has grown into a trusted leader, guiding teachers and supporting students across every level.

He works towards closing achievement gaps by supporting targeted summer programs, coordinating school events, supporting Spanish-speaking families, and building community every step of the way. Luis's lasting impact is echoed through students that still stop him in public just to say thank you over a decade later.

School: Pittsburg High School

Grade: 9th-12th

Years in Education: 8 years

Andria Herrera-Jackson currently serves as the ethnic studies department co-chair and is the founding teacher of the Latinx Literature course at Pittsburg High School. She has worked in education for over a decade and is known for her commitment to equity and giving her students a voice.

This year, Andria launched the district's first Latinx Literature course, creating a space where students feel seen, valued, and inspired. outside the classroom, she's a constant presence at school events — from football games to community gatherings — building connections that extend far beyond the classroom.

School: Ingrid B Lacy Middle School

Grade: 6th-8th

Years in Education: 12 years

Mr. Quesada is a dedicated physical education teacher with over 12 years of experience who goes above and beyond for his middle school students. He connects student-athletes with teachers to help them balance academics and sports, improving their grades and college readiness. After the pandemic, he revitalized the athletics program by launching an intramural sports league, rebuilding the department, and strengthening ties with other schools and the city's recreation league to expand opportunities for young athletes.

School: Action Day Elementary School

Grade: 2nd

Years in Education: 30 years

Ms. Hogue currently teaches second grade and makes learning unforgettable with superhero rotation activities—complete with capes, masks, and exciting learning stations. During the pandemic, her care and thoughtfulness shone brightly as she personally visited each child's home to deliver awards and goody bags, showing just how far she'll go for her students. A true superhero in education!

School: Assumption Middle School

Grade: 6th - 8th

Years in Education: 25 years

Five years ago, Ms. Rocheford faced the significant challenge of declining enrollment but had a bold vision! Her team applied for grants and partnered with outside organizations to expand their programs in Spanish, motor skills, arts, and sciences. This initiative not only saved the school but also boosted enrollment! With the dedication of her amazing teachers and supportive parents, Ms. Rocheford helped improve the school's facilities, enhanced technology, and raised academic achievement!

School: Nature's Way Montessori

Grade: Early Childhood Education

Years in Education: 8 years

Known for her unwavering dedication, Ms. Ortega creates a safe and loving environment for the children in her care, allowing parents to confidently leave their most precious treasures with her. Her peaceful demeanor brings a sigh of relief to first-time parents, especially those with only children. Her genuine connections with both the children and their families, along with her leadership among her peers, make her an invaluable asset to shaping the future engineers, doctors, and educators of our world.

School: Haun Elementary

Grade: 1st

Years in Education: 9 years

Ms. Prim has been in the education space for nine years and currently teaches all subjects to her 1st grade students. As she said, "I've always had a passion for learning and hope to inspire creativity, curiosity, and excitement in my students." In the classroom, she makes it a priority to remind her students that they are loved, are special, and that everything will be okay.

School: South Hillsborough

Grade: Literacy K-5

Years in Education: 24 years

Ms. Graville has been in the education space for twenty-four years, currently teaching literacy to students in grades K-5. Her passion for teaching stems from the educators who shaped her own childhood and made a significant impact on her life, motivating her to inspire others in the same way. She loves working with children because there is no better feeling than witnessing the joy of learning in the classroom.

School: August Elementary School

Grade: 3rd

Years in Education: 27 years

Ms. Hensley has been in education for twenty-seven years and currently teaches all subjects to 3rd graders. After school, she goes above and beyond, running tutoring sessions at no extra pay. Jennifer also meets with countless parents to ensure her students get the emotional support they need. This past year, Ms. Hensley took special care of two twins who tragically lost their mother, checking in on them weekly in their native language, Spanish.

School: Christopher High School

Grade: 10th

Years in Education: 15 years

'Ms. B' has been an educator for fifteen years and currently teaches chemistry to 10th graders. She began her teaching career as a substitute teacher. After discovering her impact in the classroom, particularly with a nonverbal student, she pursued a teaching credential and a master's degree in education, and she hasn't left the classroom since. To help her students understand complex lessons, she creates Fun Labs that utilize everyday materials to inspire the next generation of students to think creatively and critically.

School: Sherman Oaks, A Dual Immersion School in San Jose

Grade: K - 8th

Years in Education: 9

Mr. Gutierrez has been in education for nine years and currently teaches Physical Education to transitional kindergarteners through eighth graders at Sherman Oaks, A Dual immersion School in San Jose. To further increase physical play, he started his school's lunchtime flag football leagues, soccer leagues, and basketball tournaments.

Mr. Gutierrez became an educator because he wanted to make a positive impact on youth and help them realize their full potential. By understanding his students' needs, he created a new PE curriculum in Spanish to further establish the importance of bilingualism. He also repurposed a multi-use building for indoor activities such as indoor soccer, yoga, table tennis, and dance.

Occupation: 49ers PREP Senior Manager & 49ers PREP Coordinator

Years in Education: Tucker 20+ & Ryan 8+

Tucker is going into his 13th Season with the San Francisco 49ers but has been working in the education space for over 20 years. Upon joining the 49ers Foundation over 12 years ago, Tucker has been able to launch and build up the 49ers PREP program. According to him, "Being able to leverage football as a vehicle to teach life lessons and empower the next generation has been a dream come true.

Ryan is entering year 8 on our 49ers PREP team. He became an educator and coach to follow in the footsteps of his family members. He has seen the impact that his family members in similar roles have had, and it has inspired him to do what he does. "I have a big passion for coaching, working with kids, and giving back to the community, so I love how this job combines all three," he says.

School: Milpitas High School

Grade: 9th-12th

Years in Education: 10

In 2021, Tonichi served as one of the faculty advisors for the graduating class. Since the students did not get to participate in any of their traditional school events throughout the year due to the pandemic, Tonichi organized a Senior Parade and Picnic for over 300 seniors to make them feel celebrated and special at the end of their high school journey.

Tonichi comes from a family of educators and upon reflecting on the positive impact teachers had on his life, he realized he wanted to have the same effect on others. "I am the person I am today because of the support I received," he said. "I want to help the young people I work with grow both as students and as people."

School: Jack G. Desmond Middle School

Grade: 7th & 8th

Years in Education: 7

Fernando became an educator because he wants to support and motivate students. Growing up in a low-income family, he had to work at a young age to help make ends meet, and this experience ultimately motivated him to go to college. Since many of his students come from similar backgrounds, he encourages them to continue their education and dream big.

Fernando started his school's Gaming Club and provides his students with gaming consoles during lunch since many of their families cannot afford them at home. He loves bringing together students with similar interests to help them feel included and find a sense of community.

Name: Alivia Derting

School: Durham Elementary School (Fremont, Alameda County)

Grade: 1

Years in Education: 5

Alivia chose to become an educator because she wanted to have the opportunity to empower and motivate students to never give up on their dreams and to stay true to who they are along the way, just as her teachers did for her when she was growing up. Whether she is making a student from another country feel at home, helping students tackle learning challenges, or quickly responding to parents during after hours, Alivia stays attentive to her students' needs and circumstances, and goes above and beyond to help them overcome any adversity.

School: Lathrop Elementary School

Grade: 8

Years in Education: 13

Earlier this summer, Joseph took a group of 34 students on a field trip to Washington D.C. Since many of his students have never traveled outside of their city, Joseph held fundraisers to make the trip possible for all his students. While there, he encouraged his students to be inspired by their own potential and chase their dreams. Joseph also started a flag football league for his school to help keep his students active, improve overall wellness, build teamwork skills, and foster a sense of inclusivity and belonging.

Joseph's advice for his students is, "We all have endless potential, focus on doing the best you can do!"