SAN JACINTO – A multipurpose room brimming with students, staff, and family erupts into cheers as Dr. Emily Price, Principal of Megan Cope Elementary School, enters. Initially taken aback by the sight of balloons and guests gathered, she cautiously makes her way through the room, unaware of the surprise awaiting her. Stepping onto the stage, she is greeted by Dr. Edwin Gomez, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, who is poised to deliver the exciting news that Dr. Price has been named the 2024 Riverside County Principal of the Year.

“Dr. Price emphasizes the importance of ensuring that students have the knowledge, passion, and courage to achieve their goals,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez. “Through her leadership, Dr. Price has fostered a school culture that prioritizes the well-being and success of every student.”

“I am so humbled and honored by the incredible recognition,” said Dr. Emily Price immediately following the surprise. “This recognition isn’t just about me; I could never have done this by myself. This is a reflection of the amazing support of the staff and students at Megan Cope.”

About Dr. Emily Price – 2024 Riverside County Principal of the Year

Dr. Emily Price’s commitment to students at Megan Cope Elementary School is that every child receives an education that is not only challenging and rigorous, but also relevant and aligned to their future aspirations. From Dr. Price’s 25 years in education, and background as an educational consultant, professional development trainer, and elementary teacher, her extraordinary leadership and professionalism symbolizes her quest for student success and their pursuit of knowledge, empathy, dedication, and self-efficacy. Dr. Price’s focus has included renovating a library to become an interactive media center, creating new parent engagement opportunities, enhancing teamwork for her staff through professional development, and prioritizing strong collaboration between teachers, parents and students. Colleagues describe her as a leader who has “a natural talent for bringing out the best in her team” and as “an administrator who walks the talk”.  

Three additional surprise visits are planned throughout February. All honorees will be recognized at the 2024 Celebrating Educators Luncheon set for May 7, at the Riverside Convention Center.

The full list of categories and honorees for the 2024 Riverside County Educators of the Year: 

• Riverside County School Counselor of the Year
  Gabriella S. Zlaket, School Counselor
  Arlington High School, Riverside Unified School District
  First 2024 Riverside County Educator of the Year Named in Surprise Visit in Riverside Unified School District

• Riverside County Classified Employee of the Year
  Michelle Forcina, Secretary III
  Canyon Springs High School, Moreno Valley Unified School District
  2024 Riverside County Classified Employee of the Year Named in Surprise Visit in Moreno Valley Unified School District

• Riverside County Classified Administrator of the Year
  Michael Sattley, Director of Facilities Services
  Hemet Unified School District
  

  Director of Facilities Services in Hemet USD Named 2024 Riverside County Classified Administrator of the Year

• Riverside County Principal of the Year
  Dr. Emily Price, Principal, Megan Cope Elementary School
  San Jacinto Unified School District

• Riverside County Confidential Employee of the Year
  Cindy Vasquez, Executive Assistant
  Jurupa Unified School District
  

  Cindy Vasquez Named 2024 Riverside County Confidential Employee of the Year

• Riverside County Certificated Administrator of the Year
  Ryan Mulvanny, Director of Professional Development and Learning
  Lake Elsinore Unified School District
  

  Director of Professional Development and Learning in Lake Elsinore USD Named 2024 Riverside County Certificated Administrator of the Year

• Riverside County Site Support Employee of the Year – TBD

The Riverside County Educators of the Year are selected from the more than 36,000 educational employees in the county. The rigorous application process starts with nominations by teachers, classified employees, and school district administrators throughout the county. Applications are then submitted to the Riverside County Office of Education, where an outside selection committee selects the honorees before the county superintendent announcement.

Along with the 2024 Riverside County Teachers of the Year named previously, all 2024 Riverside County Educators of the Year will be honored at the Celebrating Educators Luncheon, set for Tuesday, May 7, at the Riverside Convention Center.

Clarification: The 2024 Riverside County Teachers of the Year were named in mid-2023 to align with the 2023 California State Teacher of the Year competition. The 2025 Riverside County Teachers of the Year will be announced in May/June of 2024 and will via for the 2025 California State Teacher of the Year award that will be named in the fall of 2024 by the California Department of Education and State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond.

2024 Riverside County Teachers of the Year (named in mid-2023)

Marie Stevenson
Mathematics Teacher
Rancho Mirage High School
Palm Springs USD

James Waedekin
English Teacher
New Horizon School
Banning USD

Lindsay Hill
4^th Grade Teacher
Sundance Elementary School
Beaumont USD

Lorena Morales
Mathematics/AVID Teacher
La Sierra High School
Alvord USD