California’s Teacher of the Year

Nancy Pérez

California’s Teacher of the Year, Nancy Pérez, is a well rounded instructor,  motivational leader, charismatic individual and a beloved mother and friend.

Nancy’s teaching experience ranges from elementary to University level. She started her teaching career in Mexico as an elementary teacher. After moving to California, learning English and starting a family, she earned a BA and Masters Degree in Spanish Literature. While simultaneously working at Fresno City College and Fresno State, she was given the opportunity to teach upper division classes such as Spanish 134. Subsequently she acquired her Single Subject and her K-12 Administrative Credentials, where she has been motivating high school students with engaging assignments in the classroom. She is currently a Spanish AP language and AP literature teacher, instructional lead, club advisor, mentor, and department chair at El Diamante High School.  

Her passion for teaching and learning goes beyond her classroom walls. She leads and actively participates in different world language organizations. Nancy is currently the director of the Central California World Language Project (CCWLP), a nationally recognized professional learning program for world language educators.  Her membership affiliation with California Language Teachers’ Association (CLTA), and Central Valley World Language Association (CVWLA) started back in 1997. Within the past 6 years she has been serving as an executive board member for both organizations. In her spare time Nancy facilitates workshops at local and state conferences where she continues to expand her learning experience.