Teacher of the Year

Garretson Elementary School
Corona-Norco Unified School District

Kathleen Magana has been teaching for over 24 years and currently teaches a 3rd grade class. She holds a cross-cultural language and academic development (CLAD) certification and was an AVID pioneer and leader. As such, she facilitates and leads AVID Family Nights where students and their families receive tools, strategies, and school supplies while they are building relationships with each other and staff.

Kathleen also introduced the myBuddy Mentorship Program to the Corona- Norco Unified School District which serves to bridge the path from elementary to high school for minority students. Kathleen knew since she was eight years old that she wanted to be a teacher. Today she carries that same certainty and passion for both her students and the teaching profession.

Kathleen's Message

I am very proud and humbled to receive this recognition. I’d like to thank the Riverside County Office of Education for the honor of representing teachers in Riverside County. Thank you, County Superintendent Gomez and Riverside County Office of Education staff for the support you’ve given me and the teaching profession. Thank you to my family, especially my husband, Roman, for your continued love and support to allow me to dedicate my time and my love to my profession and my students in all ways that I can. I will never take for granted the honor and privilege of being a teacher. For the past 24 years, I have proudly taught, knowing my “why”; I do it for my students and hope that I instill in them the value of education. It is a true gift to teach, love, and inspire my students to be the best they can be. I am so grateful to represent Garretson Elementary and a staff that helps each other to grow and shine. I truly thank the Corona Norco Unified School District, our superintendent, Dr. Samuel Buenrostro, and our school board for your demonstration of leadership and your dedication and support. I am so grateful, proud, and honored to be a part of this community! We are better and stronger when we work together!