April 7, 2026
WALNUT, CA - Walnut High School’s English Language Development Teacher Rebecca Chai has been named Walnut Valley USD’s 2025/2026 District Teacher of the Year! On April 2, Superintendent Dr. Taylor, Board Members Helen Hall and Larry Redinger, WVEA President Joshua Henness, Rebecca’s Mentor and WVUSD Retiree Victoria Workman, and District representatives surprised Rebecca with the announcement in her classroom.
During the celebration, Dr. Taylor shared, “Out of 700 teachers in WVUSD, you have been chosen as the one District Teacher of the Year to represent our entire organization. You’re amazing, and we are super proud of you.” Board Members Helen Hall and Larry Redinger added their congratulations, saying, “This is what makes our district so great, because of amazing teachers like you.” Larry Redinger continued, “Best to you and your family, not just your family-family, but your teachers and students.”
A proud Walnut Valley graduate, Rebecca has dedicated the past 20 years to serving the students of Walnut High School. Throughout her career, she has built an exceptional legacy of leadership and service, taking on numerous roles and supporting a variety of student-led clubs on campus. Her impact extends far beyond the classroom and even Walnut High School. Rebecca is a mentor, advocate, academic tutor, and a true champion for the English learner community.
Walnut High School Principal Jamie Norell shared, “What truly separates you is that you couple [your instructional practices] with a heart for not just your students, but every student on campus.” When Rebecca stepped outside her classroom, she was greeted by cheering students and teachers, the band, confetti, and banners celebrating her achievement.
In a follow-up interview after the surprise, Rebecca shared how special the honor is to her saying, “I’m very thankful. It made me think of all the teachers who have taught me and all the teachers who I teach with, and even the new teachers I’m working with. It’s unforgettable.”
Congratulations, Rebecca, on this well-deserved honor and thank you for serving Walnut Valley students with a “Kids First” mindset!
About Walnut Valley Unified School District
Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) schools have earned recognition for academic excellence from both the California State Department of Education and the United States Department of Education. Many WVUSD schools have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon, California Gold Ribbon, and California Distinguished Schools. Several WVUSD schools were featured in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025/2026 Best School Rankings. To learn more about WVUSD, please visit WVUSD.org. Connect with WVUSD on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Contact
Michelle Figueroa, Public Information Specialist
Office: 909-595-1261, Ext. 31204
Photos Shown:
- Rebecca Chai and her students pose beside a banner celebrating her District Teacher of the Year recognition.
- Superintendent Dr. Taylor and Board Members Helen Hall and Larry Redinger applaud Rebecca Chai during a surprise classroom visit announcing her award.
- Rebecca Chai poses for a photo with Board Members Helen Hall and Larry Redinger, Superintendent Dr. Taylor, and Executive Cabinet.
- Walnut High School students cheer with poms while the band plays and confetti falls.
- Rebecca Chai stands with her family, smiling next to her Teacher of the Year banner.
- Rebecca Chai hugs a Walnut High School colleague in excitement as staff and students around them clap and celebrate.
- Rebecca Chai poses with her mentor, Victoria Workman, a 30-year Walnut Valley USD retiree, during the celebration.
- Rebecca Chai smiles for a photo with the Walnut High School leadership team during celebration.