2025 San Bernardino County Teachers of the Year
Celebrating Excellence in Education
Every day, San Bernardino City Unified School District educators inspire students, cultivate a love of learning and create opportunities for every child to thrive. We are proud to celebrate two exceptional educators whose dedication, innovation and unwavering commitment to student success have earned them recognition as 2025 San Bernardino County Teachers of the Year.
This prestigious honor recognizes educators who exemplify excellence in teaching, foster meaningful relationships with students and families, and make a lasting impact both inside and outside the classroom. Their passion reflects the very best of SBCUSD and our commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Honoring Our 2025 County Teachers of the Year
Lorraine Bowen
Fourth Grade Teacher
George Brown Jr. Elementary School
With 19 years in education, Lorraine Bowen has built a classroom culture rooted in kindness, encouragement and high expectations. Her classroom is known as a welcoming environment where every student feels valued, respected and empowered to learn.
Each school day begins with daily affirmations, helping students develop confidence, resilience and a positive mindset before instruction even begins. By intentionally creating a warm and supportive atmosphere, Bowen fosters both academic growth and social-emotional well-being, ensuring students are prepared to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Her dedication to nurturing the whole child and inspiring a lifelong love of learning has made a lasting impact on countless students and families throughout the SBCUSD community.
Carla Hernandez
Sixth Grade Mathematics Teacher
Golden Valley Middle School
A proud graduate of San Bernardino City Unified School District schools, Carla Hernandez has returned to the district to inspire the next generation of learners as a sixth-grade mathematics teacher.
Hernandez believes every student can achieve at high levels when provided with encouragement, meaningful support and ownership of their learning. She empowers students by helping them understand and track their own academic progress, making them active participants in their educational journey.
On the very first day of school, Hernandez shares a powerful promise with every student:
"You will succeed in my class because I will not let you fail."
That commitment reflects her unwavering belief in every child's potential and her determination to ensure students build both mathematical confidence and lifelong perseverance.
A Tradition of Excellence
Being named a San Bernardino County Teacher of the Year is one of the highest honors an educator can receive. These outstanding teachers represent the exceptional talent, innovation and dedication found throughout San Bernardino City Unified School District classrooms.
Lorraine Bowen and Carla Hernandez exemplify what it means to inspire students, cultivate meaningful relationships and create learning environments where every child is encouraged to reach their fullest potential.
We congratulate both educators on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their extraordinary service to our students, schools and community.