Glendale Educator Named California Teacher of the Year
A seventh-grade history teacher at Woodrow Wilson Middle School has been honored as a top educator in the state for 2027.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Secondary Education
Live Poll
Do you feel local teachers in your community receive enough recognition for their work?
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond named Gagik Galfayan as one of five California Teachers of the Year for 2027. Galfayan, a seventh-grade history teacher in Glendale, was selected for his commitment to students and his role in developing state curriculum.
Why it matters
The annual award highlights educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to California schools and their local communities. Recognized teachers serve as ambassadors for the profession, reflecting the high standards of classroom instruction across the state.
Gagik Galfayan is among 5 teachers recognized statewide for 2027. He is the sole recipient from Los Angeles County and brings 14 years of teaching experience to the role.
The players
Gagik Galfayan
A 14-year veteran educator at Woodrow Wilson Middle School who helped develop the state's ethnic studies curriculum.
Tony Thurmond
The State Superintendent of Public Instruction who oversees California's public school system and presents the annual teacher awards.
The details
The selection process for the honor involved a rigorous review of applications followed by classroom observations and interviews. Galfayan began his journey for this recognition as the Glendale Unified Teacher of the Year before advancing to the Los Angeles County level. In addition to his classroom work at Woodrow Wilson Middle School, he helped write the Armenian American section of California's Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum.
Timeline
1972: The California Teachers of the Year Program began.
1995: Gagik Galfayan immigrated to the United States.
2021: The State Board of Education adopted the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum.
April 2026: Galfayan was named Glendale Unified Teacher of the Year.
October 8, 2026: Tony Thurmond officially announced the 2027 award recipients.
The Home Front
The recognition of Galfayan underscores the ongoing implementation of California's Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum adopted in 2021. This selection validates the state's broader effort to integrate diverse cultural histories into the secondary education framework.
Parents and students should check the school district calendar for upcoming celebrations honoring local educators at Woodrow Wilson Middle School. Tracking these academic achievements provides insight into the programs and faculty currently shaping the local school environment.
The takeaway
This award honors the dedicated teachers who define the quality of California's public education system. Families can support their local schools by engaging with teachers like Galfayan to understand how new state curriculum standards are being implemented in their students' classrooms.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in local classrooms at California secondary-education.
Live Poll
Do you feel local teachers in your community receive enough recognition for their work?
