ESCONDIDO — An Escondido kindergarten teacher and a Bonsall high school educator have been named among the state’s top educators for the school year.
Corina Martinez is among five teachers statewide honored by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond as the 2026 California Teachers of the Year. She teaches kindergarten at Pioneer Elementary School in the Escondido Union School District.
“Mrs. Martinez is not just passionate about supporting her students to learn – she’s driven to make sure that they have every support they need to arrive at school every day,” Thurmond said in a recent announcement.
Thurmond added that Martinez “has built a legacy of leadership and partnership with community organizations by building out programs that support students’ social-emotional learning and partnership with families.”
Martinez is also “passionate” about addressing chronic absenteeism and provides “real solutions for families.”
One parent said, “You can feel the love in everything Corina does, and that kind of care is something you never forget. She doesn’t just teach, she wraps your whole family in love.”
The San Diego County Office of Education said Martinez has a gift for ensuring each student feels individually supported and seen, addressing their unique needs, particularly for those who are struggling.
“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to represent my students, families, and colleagues at Pioneer Elementary, in Escondido, and across California,” Martinez said. “This recognition celebrates the incredible work happening in classrooms every day and the strength of our school communities. When we lead with love, we change lives.”
Among the four finalists for Teachers of the Year honors is Gregory Hinchliff, who teaches multiple subjects at Bonsall High School in the Bonsall Unified School District.
Hinchliff teaches Spanish, English, social studies, Native American studies, and speech and debate. He builds partnerships with local tribes, universities and civic groups.
He co-wrote the state’s Native American Studies Model Curriculum, participated in Cal Poly Humboldt’s Four Freedoms civic learning program, and led his speech and debate team to state championships.
Hinchliff’s classroom was featured in the WIDA Consortium’s Bright Spot Repository Project, an initiative highlighting successful instructional approaches for multilingual learners.
Thurmond described Hinchliff as “an advocate for culturally relevant resources to help students see themselves and reach their potential.”
Both Martinez and Hinchliff were recognized as 2025 San Diego County Teachers of the Year in the spring.
“Our county, our students, and our families are better because of these incredible educators in our classrooms, who ensure our young people can truly thrive in school and in life,” said Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, San Diego County superintendent of schools. “When our students feel seen, heard, valued, and loved, then they are able to be brave in their learning and growth. This is what these two educators excel at and what we can all learn from.”
