SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and Sacramento Republic Football Club Honor Sacramento 2026 Teachers of the Year

October 15, 2025

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union recognized eleven educators as Sacramento County’s 2026 Teachers of the Year in an on-field ceremony at the Sacramento Republic Football Club game at Heart Health Park on Oct. 4. In partnership with Sacramento County Office of Education, the annual event spotlights local educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation in the classroom and a commitment to student achievement. School districts and charter schools across the county selected each of the honorees.

“Educators play an essential role in shaping our communities,” said Josh Smith, vice president, school and community relations for SchoolsFirst FCU. “As a credit union founded by school employees, we honor and support the people who dedicate their lives to education. We’re proud to celebrate these remarkable educators and their contributions to Sacramento County students.”

Prior to kickoff, honorees and their guests attended a pre-game tailgate reception. During halftime, they were recognized on the field in front of fans, peers and community supporters.

2026 Sacramento County Teachers of the Year Honorees:

  • Graciela Castañeda, (multiple subjects), Language Academy of Sacramento, Charter Schools Association
  • Dawn Dodson, 3rd grade, Arthur S. Dudley Elementary School, Center Joint Unified School District
  • Megan Ehnat, social science, Galt High School, Galt Joint Union High School District
  • Mirna Flores-Perez, dual immersion, Madison Elementary School, Twin Rivers Unified School District
  • Bethany Hancock, 3rd grade, Elk Grove Elementary School, Elk Grove Unified School District
  • Julie Nittler, 3rd grade, Peter J. Shields Elementary School, Folsom Cordova Unified School District
  • Anda Robinson, English, Miwok Middle School, Sacramento City Unified School District
  • Steven Ramsay, science, Laguna Creek High School, Elk Grove Unified School District
  • Jessie Storrs, library/media, El Centro Jr./Sr. High School, Sacramento County Office of Education
  • Travis Murray, automotive (CTE), Natomas High School, Natomas Unified School District
  • Haley Zerr, U.S. history, Will Rogers Middle School, San Juan Unified School District

About SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union serving school employees, and for the seventh year in a row, Forbes has named SchoolsFirst FCU the top credit union in California. Serving school employees and their families, the organization is dedicated to delivering World-Class Personal Service and improving the financial lives of its Members. In J.D. Power’s 2025 inaugural U.S. Credit Union Satisfaction Study, its Members ranked them #1 for overall satisfaction. Today they serve more than 1.5 million Members with a full range of financial products and services. SchoolsFirst FCU was founded in 1934, when 126 school employees pooled $1,200 and established a Member-owned cooperative to help improve each other's lives.

The Credit Union has nearly $34 billion in assets and remains the largest credit union in California and the third largest credit union in the United States. For more information about SchoolsFirst FCU, visit schoolsfirstfcu.org. 

Insured by NCUA.

Contact:

Robin Wachner
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
media@schoolsfirstfcu.org

Teachers Anda Robinson, Bethany Hancock and Dawn Dodson celebrate being named among Sacramento County’s 2026 Teachers of the Year during the on-field recognition at Heart Health Park in Sacramento.