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Manteca Unified honors four as Educators of the Year
musd ed year 2025
The Manteca Unified Educators of the Year are, clockwise from upper left photo, Sarah Smith, Annamarie Hutsell, Bonnie Stogner, and Kristin Miller.

Manteca Unified is honoring four individuals as Educators of the Year. 

The selections during the 2024-25 school year directly impacted student success and safety. 

They were nominated by their supervisors and colleagues and selected by a committee of executive leadership that carefully reviewed each nomination.  

They are:

*Sarah Smith, Teacher – Woodward Elementary School, Category: Elementary Educator of the Year

*Annamarie Hutsell, Teacher – French Camp Elementary School, Category: Junior High Educator of the Year

*Kristin Miller, Teacher – Lathrop High School, Category: Secondary Educator of the Year

*Bonnie Stogner, Teacher on Special Assignment – Manteca Unified School District, Category: Support Services Educator of the Year

Comments about the honorees from nominating teams:

*“Sarah Smith demonstrates exceptional skill in creating a nurturing and dynamic learning environment, tailoring her teaching to meet each student’s unique needs through creative lesson plans, small group activities, and assistive communication tools. Her ability to listen empathetically and offer practical solutions has fostered a supportive and trusting partnership between our school and families.”  —Walter Woodward staff

*“With 17 years of dedication to MUSD, Annamarie Hutsell’s positive attitude and ability to uplift her peers have significantly enhanced our school environment. She truly embodies all the qualities we want to see in an educator by showcasing a keen understanding of diverse learning needs and tailoring her lessons to ensure that all students benefit from her teaching. Her dedication, passion for teaching, and tireless advocacy for her colleagues and students make her an outstanding candidate for this recognition.” — French Camp staff

“Kristin Miller embodies the gold standard of teaching excellence and leadership, and her impact extends far beyond the walls of her classroom. To her students, she is affectionately regarded as the "GOAT”—the Greatest of All Time—a title she more than earns by creating a classroom where students can be curious, grow, and feel valued. Her influence is so profound that students adopt her "Miller-isms," creating a culture of peer encouragement that mirrors her own. Every instructional minute is optimized, and her classroom operates with precision, making her the teacher every school dreams of having.”  — Lathrop High staff

“Bonnie Stogner approaches teachers with humble leadership, providing insight, suggestions, and strategies to enhance instructional practices. As a Teacher on Special Assignment, she serves as a vital liaison between school sites and district leadership, playing a pivotal role in curriculum adoptions and teacher training. Known for her professionalism, warmth, and expertise, Bonnie creates a welcoming atmosphere for all while navigating complex situations with grace. Her tireless dedication to students, educators, and families and her commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to MUSD.”  —  Teaching and Learning Department Team & Sierra High School Staff


  


‘PAVILIONS’ NEW CITY STANDARD FOR GAS STATION/RETAIL COMBO
Manteca embraces ‘mini-plazas’ incorporated into layouts of commercial centers by neighborhoods
pavilions
An example of a pavilion or mini-plaza.
Manteca is changing how commercial areas and neighborhoods mix. A prime example is how developments that envision a gas station, dining, convenience stores, and even car washes in predominately residential sections of the city are adding what planners dub “mini-plazas” or “pavilions.”
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