English Language Development (ELD) teacher Rebecca Chai of 20 years, was recognized as Walnut High School’s teacher of the year for the 2025-2026 school year.
After fellow teacher nominations, and multiple rounds of voting, the teacher of the year is chosen. After fellow teacher nominations, Chai was surprised with her recognition on Feb. 20 to a celebration with multiple groups of classes cheering, posters and Walnut’s pep band playing. The initial celebration was planned by Principal Jamie Norell.
“I think [Ms. Chai receiving this award] has been a long time coming; She is everything that a teacher should be: kind, supportive, sometimes a disciplinarian, a teacher, somebody who can understand, who has compassion and empathy. She’s so bold and there’s nothing that she won’t do if she thinks it will have a positive impact on students,” Grade Level Coordinator Corolar Schultz said.
Schultz believes that Chai stands as a role model to her students and that watching Chai grow as a person and teacher has been an inspiration.
“[Chai is] able to help English language learners learn what they need to do to succeed in an environment where English is not their first language. She’s a role model and does the right thing; she is never judgmental. She believes in second chances,” Schultz said. “She believes that helping students learn from their mistakes and grow from their mistakes is more important than focusing on them.”
Before teaching ELD, Chai was the Publications adviser for 11 years and made the decision to teach ELD so that she could be more engaged.
“Teaching ELD is not easy. Every student’s on a different path, so their growth, their timing of awareness, all those things differ and so [it is] very exciting. It makes what I do meaningful. I love getting to know the students. They all have very unique and amazing back stories. It’s always exciting to figure out what they’re good at, what they excel in and what they love,” Chai said.
Upon receiving the recognition, Chai felt hesitant to accept the award as she believes that every teacher is a “Teacher of the Year.” Chai believes in the saying, “It takes a village to raise a kid” and that it is a collective effort to support students. Additionally, Chai highlights that bilingual aides are also the backbone of the ELD class and in supporting students.
“I had mixed emotions about receiving this [award], but I see it as a great honor, and I do see what I’m able to do is highlight my fellow teachers who work so hard every day through this award as well,” Chai said.
She hopes that she is able to show her students through example that being honest and true to yourself is extremely important.
“On Fridays, we have reflection [and on] Monday they tell me what they’re going to do. I hope students leave a little bit more reflective when they leave my classroom,” Chai said.
ELD student senior Angel Mendez believes that Chai has been supportive for the past four years, has instilled confidence and that her kindness helps make students feel comfortable and confident.
“[Ms. Chai] is really kind and always tries to make a good relationship with you, so we can be more free to her. She always supported me and always tries to make you much more confident,” Mendez said.
