RIVERSIDE – As a 6th grade student, Amanda Zonker knew she wanted to become a teacher one day. After a surprise visit to her classroom by Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez, Amanda has added a new title of Riverside County Teacher of the Year, and she will represent the county at the 2025 California State Teacher of the Year competition later this year.
“Ms. Zonker emphasizes the importance of building students’ self-efficacy, self-worth, and self-purpose, and using a variety of teaching strategies to make that happen,” said Dr. Edwin Gomez, during the surprise visit. “She has been pivotal in developing a positive and inclusive school culture, organizing events that bring students together across different grade levels and backgrounds, thus enriching the student experience and fostering community spirit.”
Amanda received the honor in her classroom with her students, school and district administrators, colleagues, guests, her husband (also a teacher at Riverside STEM Academy), and cheering students from neighboring classes just outside her door.
“I love what I do, and you guys make it great. So, thank you so much to my students,” Amanda said after receiving her award.
About Amanda Zonker
Amanda Zonker is as much a teacher of history and English, as she is a coach, leader, culture-builder, and lifelong learner who desires to change lives through authentic connections to students. At Riverside STEM Academy, she co-founded a weekly student-produced news program called STEM News, re-designed student government, and coordinated school-wide Quarter Pep Rallies to build campus culture across middle school grades. She also serves as a coach for Science Olympiad, LEGO Robotics, and the National History Day co-lead.
Her colleagues describe her as “actively incorporating global issues, perspectives, and experiences into her teaching, fostering cultural competence and global citizenship among her students.” A parent described Amanda as having “a remarkable ability to unlock the unique talents of each student in her care.”
Amanda started her teaching career in 2012 after earning a bachelor's degree in literature and writing studies, along with her teaching credential from California State University, San Marcos. She later added a history credential from Phoenix University and a master’s degree in integrated curriculum from the American College of Education.
Three more 2025 Riverside County Teachers of the Year will be revealed in upcoming surprise visits. Once named, all four teachers of the year will represent Riverside County in the 2025 California Teacher of the Year competition.
Recent Riverside County teachers selected as California Teachers of the Year include:
- 2022 – Nichi Aviña, Cielo Vista Charter School, Palm Springs USD
- 2021 – Keisa Brown, University Heights Middle School, Riverside USD, and Allison Cyr, Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary School, Desert Sands USD
- 2020 – Brenda Chavez-Barreras, Good Hope Elementary School, Perris ESD
- 2019 – Dr. Angel Mejico, El Cerrito Middle School, Corona-Norco USD
- 2018 – Dr. Brian McDaniel, Painted Hills Middle School, Palm Springs USD
- 2017 – Shaun Bunn, Ethan A. Chase Middle School, Romoland School District
- 2016 – Michelle Cherland, Carrillo Ranch Elementary School, Desert Sands USD
- 2014 – Jessica Pack, James Workman Middle School, Palm Springs USD
The Riverside County Teachers of the Year are selected from nearly 20,000 educators in the county. The rigorous application process requires candidates to spend time reflecting on, and carefully defining, their teaching philosophy. The county teachers of the year are selected on the basis of nominations by teachers, principals, and school district administrators throughout the county. Applications are then submitted to the Riverside County Office of Education, where a selection committee reviews the applications of each district candidate and selects semi-finalists. The selection committee then conducts interviews and site visits to select the final four candidates before the county superintendent announces the Riverside County Teachers of the Year.