SCOE, County Superintendent Celebrate Outstanding Teachers
From left, Scott Johnson, chief executive officer of Community First Credit Union; Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Amie Carter; Teacher of the Year Deborah Grima-Lowe; and Willowside Middle School Principal Dani Barese pose for a photo on Oct. 15, 2025, at the Sonoma County Office of Education.
County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Amie Carter celebrated Deborah Grima-Lowe, Sonoma County’s Teacher of the Year for 2025, on Wednesday, Oct. 15, in a recognition ceremony at the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE). The event, which is facilitated by SCOE and Carter, also recognized finalist Edith Sánchez-Cárdenas of Cloverdale High School, as well as 12 nominees.
Grima-Lowe, who teaches 7th grade science at Willowside Middle School in the Oak Grove Union School District, received a $3,000 check from event sponsor Community First Credit Union, as well as wine from Jackson Family Wines. She was first named Teacher of the Year in May. She was recognized because of her commitment to equitable grading practices that prioritize students’ mastery of the material and how she extends learning outside of the classroom.
In her introductory remarks about how a single, caring educator can change the trajectory of a young person’s life, Carter shared her own stories about the teachers who inspired her.
“Educators expand who we are,” Carter said.
Dani Barese, the principal at Willowside, talked about how Grima-Lowe embodies that value. She literally expands students’ identity by incorporating school environments beyond the classroom. At Willowside, Grima-Lowe is known for her use of the school gardens, and the kayaking trips she organizes for students. Those outings allow her classes to get out on the water along the Sonoma Coast and get direct exposure to some of the concepts covered in their science classes.
“At a time where students are craving real world experiences, Ms. Grima-Lowe delivers in abundance,” Barese said. “Students absolutely love her and are inspired by her daily.”
Grima-Lowe thanked her principal for her nomination and her district for allowing “this kind of crazy stuff to go on.”
“We do as much authentic science as we possibly can because that’s where my passion is,” Grima-Lowe said. “And as all of these incredible educators know, when you share your passion, that’s when your students thrive.”
Sánchez-Cárdenas, the finalist, who teaches 9th- through 12th-grade Spanish at Cloverdale High, received $1,500 from Community First and wine from Jackson Family Wines.
The nominees received $100, as well as flowers, and included:
- Emily Blackmore, Proctor Terrace Elementary School
- Victoria Campbell, California Pacific Charter School
- Cimberlee Case, Piner High School
- Manon Czuckermand, Santa Rosa French-American Charter School
- Natalie Gordon, Lewis Early Learning Academy
- Michelle Ignacio, California Pacific Charter School
- Aida Herrera-Keehn, Cali Calmecac Language Academy
- William James, Roseland Accelerated Middle School
- Cheresa Lourens, Oak Grove Elementary School
- Margarito Loza Alcala, Roseland University Prep Charter High School
- Audrey Mosquera, Lincoln Elementary School
- Tiffani Mugurussa, John Reed Elementary School