In education, the work is demanding, the impact is deep, and the recognition is too often delayed. That’s why celebrating top achievement—especially in teaching—is more than a moment for applause. It’s a declaration that excellence in education matters, and those who go above and beyond deserve to be seen, honored, and celebrated.
On April 19, the lights were bright, the crowd was loud, and the River Cats (the Giants Triple-A Affiliate) took home a win. But the night’s true champions were the District Teachers of the Year 2025.
In a grand finale for events recognizing the top teachers for 2024–25, the Sacramento River Cats partnered with the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) to honor the outstanding educators. Hosted in four packed suites at Sutter Health Park, the event was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union.
Julie DePrada-Schott, SchoolsFirst Specialist of School and Community Relations, represented the credit union at the ceremony and received heartfelt thanks for its continued support of public education and the teaching profession.
Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon and Deputy Superintendent Nancy Herota, Ed.D., enjoyed all nine innings, personally congratulating the honorees, chatting with families, and enjoying the festivities. They were joined by Sacramento County Board of Education President Al Brown and Board Trustees Vanessa Caigoy and Mariana Corona Sabeniano, underscoring the deep appreciation for the educators’ contributions across Sacramento County.
Guests enjoyed classic ballpark fare—hot dogs, sliders, pizza, salad, popcorn, and soda—to keep the celebration going strong throughout the evening matchup against the Salt Lake City Bees.
Each District Teacher of the Year was spotlighted during an on-field ceremony, representing districts from across the region and a wide variety of subjects—from early elementary to high school chemistry, special education to Japanese language instruction. Their dedication was recognized by thousands of cheering fans.
To commemorate the occasion, each honoree received a custom River Cats baseball cap and a flower lei. The River Cats clinched the win, and the night ended with a spectacular fireworks show, lighting up the sky in honor of educators who light up classrooms all year long.
The Sacramento River Cats have recognized local teachers each year since 2007 with an event dedicated to the Teachers of the Year. The Sacramento County Teachers of the Year Program is coordinated annually by SCOE to recognize the achievements of local educators and to raise awareness of the valuable role that teachers play in the lives of their students.