The NBC Sports Bay Area & California All-Star Teacher Award, presented by Provident Credit Union, recognizes exceptional K-12 educators in Northern and Central California who demonstrate outstanding dedication to their students and communities. Over the past 14 years, Provident has contributed more than $450,000 to California schools, celebrating teachers who go above and beyond to inspire and support their students.
Nominations
We are currently accepting nominations for teachers who make a difference in their students’ and communities. Nominations can be found online at NBCSportsBayArea.com/AST. Completed nominations must be received no later than Saturday, January 31, 2026. Received nominations will be reviewed by a panel of judges who will select finalists. Voting for your favorite among the finalists can be done online at NBCSportsBayArea.com/AST from April 6 through June 1, 2026.
Finalists will be selected based on four categories: overall commitment, excellence in teaching, rapport with students, and level of distinction.
Nominate a Teacher
Congratulations to our 2025 winners!
These finalists have demonstrated outstanding commitment, excellence in teaching, strong rapport with students, and a distinguished level of achievement in education. The winning teacher received a $30,000 donation for their school and each of the other finalists is awarded $2,000 to support vital programs and classroom resources.
Greg Martin – Sylvia Mendez Elementary, Berkeley - Grand Prize Winner!
Anthony (Tony) Green – Bishop O'Dowd High School, Oakland
Laura Nunez – East Palo Alto Academy, East Palo Alto
Dawaine Williams – Ocala STEAM Academy, San Jose
Christine (Fitz) Fitzsimmon – Alisal Elementary, Pleasanton
2025 Grand Prize Winner
Greg Martin of Sylvia Mendez Elementary in Berkeley
Nominate a Teacher
Past All-Star Teacher Award Winners:
2007 – Michael Meneses, Presidio Middle School, San Francisco2008 – Allen Nakamura, Alameda High School, Alameda
2009 – Jessica Schelegle, Sacred Heart School, Saratoga
2010 – Zachary Swan, Jefferson High School, Daly City
2011 – Robert “Corky” Black, Oak Grove High School, San Jose
2012 – Dr. Paul Ricks, Hopkins Junior High School, Fremont
2013 – Ruben Modesto, John H. Pitman High School, Turlock
2014 – Nicole Ellwood, Twin Hills Charter Middle School, Sebastopol
2015 – Carmen Kotto, South Valley Middle School, Gilroy
2016 – Scott Krijnen, Castillero Middle School, San Jose
2017 – Dale Waldo, Folsom Middle School, Folsom
2018 – Cori Starr, Northgate High School, Walnut Creek
2019 – Katie Humann, Adams Middle School, Brentwood
2021 – Tomokazu Morikawa, George Washington High School, San Francisco
2022 – Jessica Holman, Rancho Cotate High School, Rohnert Park
2023 – Erik Bertelson, Wells Middle School, Dublin
2024 – “Profe” Pamela Lim-McAlister, Albany High School, Albany
2025 – Greg Martin, Sylvia Mendez Elementary School, Berkeley
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Legal residents of NBC Sports Bay Area and California eligibility area within seventy-five (75) miles of either San Francisco or Sacramento in the state of California who are 18 or older. Begins January 6, 2026 at 12:00 A.M. PT and ends January 31, 2026 at 11:59 P.M. PT. Limit 1 entry per person. To enter, and for Official Rules, odds, and prize details, visit www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/ast or http://www.nbcsportscalifornia.com/ast. Messaging & data rates may apply. Sponsors: NBC Sports Bay Area - Comcast SportsNet California, LLC d/b/a NBC Sports Bay Area and NBCUniversal Media, LLC.
Empowering California Educators
As a proud partner of CTA, Provident is dedicated to honoring your hard work with exclusive benefits designed to support your dreams. Together, let’s build a brighter financial future