May 20, 2025 – The heart of our community truly beats in its classrooms and after-school programs, and the California Teaching Fellows Foundation (CTFF) recently highlighted this vital truth with its “Educators of Impact” campaign. This special initiative, running from April 25th to May 9th, perfectly coincided with both National After-School Professionals Appreciation Week and Teacher Appreciation Week, offering a timely opportunity to celebrate the unsung heroes shaping the minds and futures of Clovis’s youth.
The campaign’s mission was clear: to honor those educators who go above and beyond, making a tangible and meaningful difference in the lives of their students. This includes not only traditional classroom teachers but also the dedicated after-school staff and other invaluable education professionals who contribute so much to our children’s development.
The community’s response was heartwarming, with 18 nominations pouring in, each accompanied by a compelling story of impact. These submissions painted a vivid picture of the profound connections forged between educators and their students. Time and again, the nominations spoke volumes about the unwavering dedication, unwavering support, and boundless compassion these individuals bring to their roles every single day. They are the mentors who inspire curiosity, the comforting presences who build confidence, and the tireless advocates who foster a love of learning.
We are proud to shine a light on these outstanding individuals. The following educators and Teaching Fellows were nominated for their exceptional contributions:
- Barbara Flores
- Brian Martinez
- Cindy Figueroa
- Claudia Readwright
- Dee Dee Buchanan
- Genesis Martinez
- Haylee Travis
- Hillary Ellis
- Jay Retamal
- Jeffrey “Duffy” Dodson
- Jennifer Davis
- Jewels Castaneda
- Kim Hodson
- Leslie Ramirez
- Margaret Arambula
- Samantha Gamez
- Vasti Garcia
The California Teaching Fellows Foundation, a vital non-profit based right here in the Central Valley, plays a crucial role in our educational landscape. Through its expanded learning programs, CTFF serves an estimated 50,000 K-12 students across 600 school sites and 60 school districts, employing over 4,000 dedicated Teaching Fellows.
To all the nominated educators, and indeed to every educator within our community: thank you. Your tireless efforts, your passion for teaching, and your profound commitment to nurturing the next generation do not go unnoticed. You are the pillars of our community, laying the groundwork for brighter futures and truly embodying what it means to make an impact. Clovis is immeasurably richer for your dedication, and we are incredibly grateful for the indelible mark you leave on countless lives.