Piner High School teacher Paulina Lopez Javalois was named the Sonoma County Teacher of the Month for November 2025 during a campuswide assembly on Friday, Dec. 12, in the school’s gymnasium.

Lopez Javalois teaches social studies and history; she is also an educator for the school’s Grace program, which allows students at risk of not graduating to recover credits that were missed in prior years.

“We’re the only high school to have it in our district, so it feels really special that I'm able to take part in that and support those vulnerable students that need the additional support to graduate high school,” Lopez Javalois said.

Lopez Javalois, who began teaching at Piner in August 2022, was selected as the winner of the recognition program after receiving nominations from students and members of the community. The Sonoma County Office of Education and partner radio stations Froggy 92.9, Exitos 98.7, Latino 100.9, and Hot 101.7, solicit nominations via radio ads and social media, and select several winners throughout the school year.

Lopez Javalois was awarded a $500 classroom gift card from Community First Credit Union and a six-month family membership to the Sonoma County Family YMCA during the assembly, which was attended by Piner Principal Andrea Correia and Santa Rosa City Schools Interim Superintendent Lisa August, among other site and district staff.

“Paulina Lopez is the kind of teacher every school hopes to have — deeply skilled, endlessly compassionate, and relentlessly committed to her students,” Correia said. “She meets students exactly where they are, builds trust through genuine relationships, and never gives up on their potential. Because of Paulina, students who once felt unseen now feel confident, capable, and empowered.”

August, the district’s interim superintendent, said Lopez Javalois strengthens the entire Piner campus.

"We are so proud of Paulina Lopez Javalois who inspires our at-promise students to find success,” August said. “Her passion and commitment to our students lifts up our Piner High School students and strengthens our community."

Multiple students submitted nominations for Lopez Javalois in which they expressed their appreciation for the care she took to check in on her students on an academic and personal level. Other nominations described the enthusiasm Lopez Javalois brings to her role as an educator.

“Paulina’s leadership extends beyond her classroom. She mentors new teachers, shares innovative strategies with colleagues, and actively contributes to school improvement efforts,” one nomination read. “Her collaborative spirit and positive energy inspire everyone around her. Whether she’s organizing cultural events, guiding student projects, or staying late to help a struggling learner, she does it all with patience, compassion, and joy.”

Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Amie Carter celebrated Lopez Javalois’ commitment to student success and her dedication to some of the district’s most vulnerable learners.

“Paulina exemplifies what it means to meet students where they are and ensure they feel seen, supported, and capable of success,” Carter said.“Congratulations to Paulina on this well-deserved honor — your dedication to students and passion for teaching are making a difference for students in our community.”

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.