Teacher of the Year

La Sierra High School
Alvord Unified School District

Lorena Morales, Riverside County Teacher of the Year, brings 17 years of educational experience to La Sierra High School in Alvord Unified School District, where she teaches math and leads the AVID program. Her journey began as an intern at La Sierra, her alma mater, where she discovered her passion for teaching. As an instructional leader for the school’s National AVID Demonstration Program, Lorena has mentored countless students, achieving a remarkable 100% university acceptance rate during the pandemic. Beyond the classroom, she fosters community partnerships, organizes workshops on college preparation, and serves as an advocate for English Learners. Recognized for her dedication, Lorena serves as Mathematics Department Chair, ELAC Facilitator, and CTI Induction Coach. Her commitment to empowering students resonates through her words and actions, inspiring students to believe in their potential and advocate for themselves.

Lorena's Message

First, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Riverside County Office of Education and Alvord USD leaders for allowing me the opportunity to share my journey, struggles, and most importantly, my passion for teaching and learning. It’s an immense honor to receive this recognition alongside my colleagues, students, family, and community. Over the past 17 years, I’ve experienced significant personal and professional growth while learning invaluable lessons that have shaped me into the educator I am today. Teaching holds a special place in my heart because I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact a teacher can have on students’ lives, especially those facing economic, social, and academic challenges like I did as a first-generation Latina college graduate. Serving the same community where I grew up has been an amazing opportunity, and I am proud to be teaching at my alma mater, La Sierra High School, since 2007. I’d like to recognize my former senior AVID teacher, Ms. Nielsen, who served as a beacon of inspiration in my life. Thank you for your being a ray of light and motivating me to become an educator. I am certain you are smiling down at me from heaven. I’d also like to thank my parents, sister, husband, in-laws and my boys Jason and Gianni for their love, and encouragement. Being named 2024 Riverside County Teacher of the Year has been a humbling experience and a highlight of my life. I feel privileged to be a part of a learning community that embraces ingenuity, diversity, creativity, and fosters opportunities for growth. May we continue to ignite a love for learning and inspire the next generation of leaders. Si se puede, yes we can!