Lisa Saenz has been named the Sacramento County Office of Education 2027 Teacher of the Year. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County Office of Education

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Teachers play a vital role in helping students learn, grow and thrive. Through expertise, creativity, resilience and compassion, they create safe and inclusive learning environments where students feel connected, valued and empowered to succeed.

Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) teachers often serve students with diverse and specialized needs, including students who have experienced challenges in traditional educational settings. The annual SCOE Teacher of the Year Program recognizes educators whose skill, dedication and professionalism make a meaningful and lasting difference in students’ lives. 

Celebrating SCOE’s 2027 Teacher of the Year

As SCOE begins a new school year, it is fitting to recognize an educator who represents the dedication, compassion and commitment SCOE teachers bring to students each day.

Following a competitive application and interview process, a selection panel chose Lisa Saenz in late May as the SCOE 2027 Teacher of the Year. Saenz is an alternative education teacher for SCOE’s CARE Intervention Program at W. E. Mitchell Middle School.

Saenz is a dedicated, compassionate and accomplished educator whose work exemplifies SCOE’s commitment to supporting students with diverse needs. Her previous work in the juvenile justice system shaped her belief in education’s power to change lives. Seeing daily opportunities to reach incarcerated youth inspired her to become a teacher and help students beyond the walls of the juvenile justice system. 

“My motivation is to challenge my students to do their best, to see the good, and to never give up,” Saenz said. “My desire to help teach future citizens of the community is my passion.”

Saenz creates a safe, structured and relationship-centered classroom grounded in clear routines, consistent expectations and positive reinforcement. She builds a sense of family in her classroom, so students feel respected, valued and motivated to learn. 

Drawing on her special education background, Saenz uses individualized support, collaboration and project-based learning to engage students with different strengths and needs. She helps students recognize their abilities, build confidence and experience academic and personal success. 

The selection panel also recognized Saenz’s professionalism, composure and leadership. During the 2025–26 school year, she served as an administration designee, expanding her ability to support students throughout the school community. In that role, she consistently demonstrated positive energy, sound judgment and a deep commitment to student success. 

Education and Experience 

Saenz began her education career in 2012 as a special education teacher at Capital Academy. She joined SCOE’s CARE Intervention Program in 2017. 

She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and an Education Specialist Credential from Sacramento State and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Concordia University. She also completed the SCOE Leadership Institute and earned a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential in 2018. 

Her previous honors include SCOE Employee of the Month recognition and the Above and Beyond Principal’s Award in May 2026. 

Saenz credits her young daughter with inspiring her each day. Outside the classroom, she enjoys traveling, attending live sporting events, trying new restaurants, and dancing and singing with her daughter. 

Saenz will represent SCOE in the Sacramento County Teacher of the Year competition. 

Celebrating Sacramento County’s 2027 District Teachers of the Year 

Congratulations to Lisa Saenz and all sixteen 2027 District Teachers of the Year from across Sacramento County who represent charter schools and the 13 local school districts. The teachers will be recognized at an annual ceremony being held later this month, where the two Sacramento County Teachers of the Year 2027 will be announced.