Robin Larson of PRIDE Academy at Prospect Avenue in Santee has been named one of five 2026 San Diego County Teachers of the Year, according to Patch and the San Diego County Office of Education.

Larson teaches visual and performing arts in the Santee School District. Patch reported that the county honorees also include educators from Encinitas Union, Grossmont Union High, Sweetwater Union High and San Diego Unified school districts.

San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Gloria E. Ciriza said the honorees show the impact dedicated educators can have on students, families and their communities. The county program has recognized Teachers of the Year for more than 35 years, with district-nominated educators completing applications and interviews before the final selections.

For Santee families, the recognition puts PRIDE Academy's arts program in the countywide spotlight. The Santee School District previously named Larson its 2026 District Teacher of the Year, citing her work in music education and the district's VAPA program.

The five county winners were surprised at their schools or district offices May 14 and 15 as part of the Excellence in Education program. They will now move on to the state-level competition.