Schools

Dublin Names Teacher Of The Year, School Site Teachers Of The Year

DUSD named its District Teacher of the Year and peer-selected School Site Teacher of the Year for each of its schools.

Jericho Griffin, a 5th grade teacher at Frederiksen Elementary School, was selected as the 2025-26 Dublin Unified School District Teacher of the Year.
Jericho Griffin, a 5th grade teacher at Frederiksen Elementary School, was selected as the 2025-26 Dublin Unified School District Teacher of the Year. (DUSD)

DUBLIN, CA — Jericho Griffin, a 5th grade teacher at Frederiksen Elementary School, was selected as the 2025-26 Dublin Unified School District Teacher of the Year.

Griffin is a 12-year educator who “creates a joyful, student-centered classroom where all students are expected and empowered to succeed,” DUSD said in a statement. She began as an intervention specialist who helped reading scores improve significantly. Her classroom incorporates everything from American Sign Language to guest speakers to using NFL teams to teach both math and social studies.

“Mrs. Griffin pairs exceptional engagement with high expectations for both academics and behavior. Parents, students, and colleagues consistently praise her warmth, communication, and professionalism. She exemplifies the excellence and dedication that define Dublin Unified,” the district said.

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Every DUSD school also selected a School Site Teacher of the Year, based on recommendations from their colleagues.

“Our teachers make Dublin Unified the exceptional district it is,” DUSD Superintendent Chris D. Funk said in a statement. “This recognition reflects instructional excellence, collaboration, leadership, and a deep commitment to student growth. Being selected by peers is one of the highest honors an educator can receive. We are incredibly proud of this year’s Teachers of the Year and grateful for the meaningful impact they have on students and families.”

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The 2025-26 DUSD School Site Teachers of the Year Are:

  • Amador Elementary: Christine Miller (1st Grade)
  • Dublin Elementary: Michele Chandler (1st Grade)
  • Dougherty Elementary: Christine Yim (3rd Grade)
  • Frederiksen Elementary: Jericho Griffin (5th Grade)
  • Green Elementary: Teri Kolon (Kindergarten)
  • Kolb Elementary: Renee Rutherford (RSP Teacher)
  • Murray Elementary: Alexander Lopez (Elementary Physical Education)
  • Cottonwood Creek TK-8: Sharon Pizer (Spanish)
  • Fallon Middle School: Barbara Barrett (Math & Intervention)
  • Wells Middle School: Devon Combe (Mental Health Counselor)
  • Dublin High School: Holly Garcia (Contemporary Health)
  • Emerald High School: Christopher MacDougall (Health)
  • Valley High School: Deborah Silverberg Lopez (Social Studies, Art & Leadership)

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