INDIO – The unsuspecting students in the first period classroom of Indio High School mathematics teacher, Amy Torres, were in the middle of a final project creating lyrics and songs to help remember math concepts, when an entourage of media, and school, district, and county education leaders burst into the classroom with the news that their teacher has been named a 2025 Riverside County Teacher of the Year.

“I can see by looking around this classroom that there is a lot of learning that takes place here,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez, during the surprise visit. “Ms. Torres is a committed educator who emphasizes the significance of mathematics in everyday life. She models good stewardship in her class and across campus, creating a benefit for the entire community.”

“Ever since I started as an AVID tutor here for my first job in education, I always knew that I wanted to be back at Indio High School. It is a privilege to work here, and I enjoy every minute of it,” Amy said immediately following the surprise. “It’s my goal to engage students, help them be successful, and to learn how to give back.”

About Amy Torres

Amy Torres believes that creating an inclusive environment where students feel safe and valued has never been more important for the teaching profession. Her math and AP Statistics classrooms are designed to give students the confidence to try, make mistakes, learn from mistakes, and not feel shame.

Beyond serving as the chair of the mathematics department, Amy is also an advisor for the National Honors Society and California Scholarship Federation, which has led to service, leadership, and learning opportunities in Washington, D.C., and in the local community. As a living example of lifelong learning, she recently obtained a supplementary authorization in computer science and hopes to add advanced placement courses in computer science to the class schedule at Indio High School.

Her colleagues describe Amy as helping every member of the math department grow their content knowledge while “pouring her heart into teaching students that life is about going beyond your limits, and realizing you are capable of helping others regardless of current situations.”

Amy started her teaching career in 2015 as a long-term substitute, then taught mathematics at two different middle schools in Desert Sands USD before landing her current role at Indio High School in 2017. She earned a bachelor's degree in liberal studies with a minor in mathematics from California State University, San Marcos. She later added a master’s degree in mathematics education (secondary) from Western Governors University, and recently completed a computer science supplementary authorization from California State University, Chico.

2025 Riverside County Teachers of the Year

Amy Torres
Mathematics
Indio High School
Desert Sands USD

Amanda Zonker
History/Social Science and English/Language Arts
Riverside STEM Academy
Riverside USD
May 9, 2024 - Middle School Humanities Teacher is First 2025 Riverside County Teacher of the Year

Two more 2025 Riverside County Teachers of the Year will be revealed in upcoming surprise visits. Riverside STEM Academy teacher Amanda Zonker was named the first 2025 Riverside County Teacher of the Year earlier in May. 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.