We are thrilled to announce that Helen Serrano has been selected as NOCE’s 2026 Teacher of the Year Nominee! Helen has taught in the ESL Program for 22 years, dedicating her career to empowering and uplifting students through education and fostering a belief in oneself.
Helen’s impact extends far beyond the classroom, as reflected in the heartfelt words of one of her students:
“I would like to nominate Mrs. Helen Serrano because I learned a lot from her throughout the course. It wasn’t just academic lessons; I also learned valuable life lessons. I have a bachelor’s degree from my home country, which means I studied for 16 years and had many teachers. However, Ms. Serrano’s class was the first time I felt that a teacher connected with me as a person, not just a regular student. Since most of my classmates, like me, were newcomers to this country, being in Ms. Serrano’s class helped us feel a sense of belonging to a new group while also learning valuable academic lessons.”
On Tuesday, February 12, 2025, Helen received a surprise visit from the NOCE leadership team to share the exciting news of her nomination. Later this year, Helen will be honored at the Orange County Teacher of the Year Reception hosted by the Orange County Department of Education in November, alongside other exceptional educators from across the county.
Please join us in congratulating Helen Serrano on this well-deserved recognition!