Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District

Rebecca Bonet is a 2026 Teacher of the Year! Rebecca serves as a teacher at Valencia High School in Placentia. This video recaps the moment PYLUSD executive leadership members and her colleagues surprised her with the news.

“Becca is an amazing collaborator, whether as a lead or a support person,” shared colleague Dwight Osborne. “She demonstrates integrity in everything she does and actively fosters that same sense of integrity in her students. She is also highly innovative, developing programs from the ground up where students can and do thrive.”

This video was created by the El Dorado High School Digital Media Arts Academy - DMAA under the direction of teacher Mark Switzer.

Maria Montalvo is a 2026 Manager of the Year! Maria serves as a Psychologist at Valencia High School in Placentia. This video recaps the day PYLUSD executive leadership members and her colleagues surprised her with the news.

“She exemplifies excellence through her deep expertise in student assessment and her genuine ability to connect with families during challenging times,” shared Assistant Principal Cheralynn Johnson. “Her collaboration is evident in how she partners with case carriers, aides, and administrators, serving as a trusted advisor whom staff regularly seek out for guidance. She demonstrates integrity by advocating fiercely for student well-being and ensuring every child receives the support they deserve, never taking shortcuts in her work. Her innovation shows in how she approaches each student’s unique needs with a fresh perspective, finding creative solutions to help struggling students succeed while strengthening our school culture.”

This video was created by the El Dorado High School Digital Media Arts Academy - DMAA under the direction of teacher, Mark Switzer.