The Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) recently celebrated Katie Sawyer, who teaches 8th grade English and history at Piner-Olivet Charter School, as the Sonoma County Teacher of the Month for March 2026.

Sawyer was recognized during an assembly on April 8, just before afternoon recess. Representatives from SCOE and local radio stations, as well as school Principal Heather Graham and many of Sawyer’s colleagues, surprised her outside her classroom.

The recognition, which honors exceptional public school teachers across Sonoma County, is organized by SCOE in partnership with local radio stations. The stations air ads that invite community members to submit nominations and celebrate the winning teacher.

Sawyer’s nomination was supported by several students and school families. During the assembly, her colleagues expressed appreciation for her empathy, sense of calm, leadership, and collaborative spirit.

“You’re encouraging of your students and your colleagues,” Principal Graham said. “You’re just an empathetic person and an amazing human being and role model for all of us.”

The school family members who nominated Sawyer for Teacher of the Month praised her warmth and heart.

“Katie Sawyer is one of the most kind-hearted people I’ve ever met,” one nomination read. “She always makes sure that everyone is included, loved, and cared for. She is an amazing, bright human being who is genuinely happy in her place of work.”

Another person wrote, “She always tries to put herself in our shoes and loves her students as her own children.”

Dr. Amie Carter, Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools, whose office organizes the Teacher of the Month program, said, “Great educators put students at the center of everything they do,” Carter said. “The care that Katie Sawyer shows for each of her students shone through in the nominations we received, and in the words of her colleagues.”

As the Teacher of the Month, Gray received a $500 classroom gift card sponsored by Community First Credit Union and a six-month family membership from the Sonoma County Family YMCA in Santa Rosa.

About the Teacher of the Month Promotion

Each month, SCOE reviews nominations in English and Spanish submitted through our website by students, families, and staff from Sonoma County’s public school districts and charters and selects one teacher to honor.

The Teacher of the Month program is a collaborative effort between the Sonoma County Office of Education, Froggy 92.9, Exitos 98.7, Latino 100.9, and Hot 101.7 radio stations and sponsors Community First Credit Union and Sonoma County Family YMCA.

To nominate an outstanding teacher for future consideration, learn more about the program, or read about past winners, click here.