Second Grade Teacher in Beaumont Unified School District is Second 2027 Riverside County Teacher of the Year

BEAUMONT - As a child growing up in Guatemala, Pedro Juarez’s commitment to learning required four hours of walking to and from school. Since becoming the first person in his family to finish middle school and high school, he has dedicated his life to transforming the lives of his students as a teacher for the last 17 years.

On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Pedro was surprised by Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez with the news that he is the second 2027 Riverside County Teacher of the Year.

“Mr. Juarez is wellloved, deeply engaged with his students, and always creating meaningful learning experiences in the classroom,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez during the surprise visit. “His personal story, his commitment to multilingual education, and his belief in the power of learning make him an extraordinary representative for Riverside County.”

“I am a humble teacher, and I really take this as an honor and a privilege,” Mr. Juarez said immediately following the surprise announcement. “Thank you to my students, colleagues, and family for supporting me, collaborating with me, and believing in me.”

The first 2027 Riverside County Teacher of the Year was named in a surprise visit to the classroom of Nanette (Nan) Davis-Kirchhevel on May 21. Two additional honorees will be revealed in upcoming surprise visits. Once named, all four teachers of the year will represent Riverside County in the 2027 California Teacher of the Year competition and be spotlighted at the 2027 Celebrating Educators Luncheon at the Riverside Convention Center on May 4, 2027.

About Pedro Juarez

As an educator, Pedro Juarez’s goal has always been to promote equality, multilingualism, and multiculturalism while fostering a lifelong love of learning in school and in life. He introduces lessons in science, history, and math through the lens of his trilingualism (English, Spanish, and Kanjobal, a Mayan language spoken in his native Guatemala).

After his school day is complete as a second-grade dual language immersion teacher at Starlight Elementary School, he extends his expertise by teaching English as a second language at adult schools in Beaumont and Hemet.

Pedro’s colleagues describe him as “wholeheartedly committed to fostering bilingualism, biliteracy, and academic excellence” and his classroom as “a vibrant, engaging learning environment where students feel valued, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.”
Pedro earned his bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from California State University, San Marcos. He is a resident of San Jacinto.

Recent Riverside County teachers selected as California Teachers of the Year include:

• 2025 – Robert (Bob) Mauger, Corona High School, Corona-Norco USD
• 2022 – Nichi Aviña, Cielo Vista Charter School, Palm Springs USD
• 2021 – Keisa Brown, University Heights Middle School, Riverside USD, and Allison Cyr, Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary School, Desert Sands USD
• 2020 – Brenda Chavez-Barreras, Good Hope Elementary School, Perris ESD
• 2019 – Dr. Angel Mejico, El Cerrito Middle School, Corona-Norco USD
• 2018 – Dr. Brian McDaniel, Painted Hills Middle School, Palm Springs USD
• 2017 – Shaun Bunn, Ethan A. Chase Middle School, Romoland School District
• 2016 – Michelle Cherland, Carrillo Ranch Elementary School, Desert Sands USD
• 2014 – Jessica Pack, James Workman Middle School, Palm Springs USD

The Riverside County Teachers of the Year are selected from nearly 20,000 educators in the county. The rigorous application process requires candidates to spend time reflecting on, and carefully defining, their teaching philosophy. The county teachers of the year are selected on the basis of nominations by teachers, principals, and school district administrators throughout the county. Applications are then submitted to the Riverside County Office of Education, where a selection committee reviews the applications of each district candidate and selects semi-finalists. The selection committee then conducts interviews and site visits to select the final four candidates before the county superintendent announces the Riverside County Teachers of the Year.