TEACHER OF THE YEAR - Hughson Unified School District

Meet HUSD Teacher of the Year Nominee: Keith Bullock

January 29, 2026

A former student once wrote to Hughson High School teacher Keith Bullock, “Bullock, I will admit that I was scared of you when I first walked into your class, but you are just like a piece of candy: hard on the outside and a big softy on the inside.”

Hughson High School Principal Loren Lighthall has nominated Bullock as the Hughson Unified School District’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. Each year, the district nominates one teacher per grade span to the Stanislaus County Office of Education and the Modesto Rotary program.

“Keith is an exemplary teacher with a great deal of integrity and takes his obligations to our students and the teaching profession seriously. He is a ‘professional teacher’ who is admired by students, parents, the community, and most certainly the principal,” Lighthall said.

With discipline and focus, Bullock was raised to believe that any goal is within reach. “I don’t just teach a subject; I teach the discipline of growth. As their freshman teacher, I believe I am giving them the building blocks of being successful at Hughson High School and being an educated community member,” Bullock said.

Although he began, like many new teachers, with a focus on the “bottom line” or final grade, years of teaching have taught him “the value of patience. “Today, I find beauty in the linear nature of learning. I ensure my freshmen don't skip the vital sections of self-discovery or global awareness.”

The fruit of those lessons may explain why a teacher with 29 years of experience continues to teach freshmen. “Though Keith has been teaching for decades, he easily relates to teens. He sees the good in them, and they feel his acceptance. While most teachers with his seniority choose to teach honors or seniors, Keith has been steadfast in staying with the ninth graders and has six periods of nothing but freshmen. It is a testament to his commitment and belief that they need what he is offering.”

Bullock’s experience includes four years as a middle school administrator, but he missed the classroom, the personal interactions and the daily breakthroughs that happen between a teacher and student. “My true ‘home’ is in the classroom,” Bullock said.

And in the classroom, according to Lighthall, “Keith possesses an unrivaled passion for teaching. He has an enthusiasm for social science and freshmen students that fosters a love of learning in his students. He creates an inclusive classroom where all students feel valued and respected. He prioritizes individual student needs and learning styles for every student. He has great questioning and Socratic practices that safely engage his students in the learning.”

Lighthall described Bullock’s methods as “top-shelf practices that reach every student.” He embraces innovative methods and mentors new teachers.

In his classroom, Bullock creates a reliable structure, so students know what to expect, including Monday “chats” at the podium as they turn in their previous week’s planner and tests every two weeks. He walks the room, engaging with students as they work. He turns the review into a “high-stakes, high-fun event” by utilizing “bragging rights.” Bullock sees himself as “a coach, not a judge,” and it shows in his students’ responses.

Bullock has coached basketball and been a Key Club advisor for many years. He founded Hughson High School’s career day, coordinating over 75 professionals from various industries to visit our campus, providing Hughson High School students with a tangible vision for their futures. “It is the best one I have ever been a part of,” Lighthall said.

Key Club has led canned food drives, collecting 900 lbs of food for local families this year, won float competitions, and fundraised to erect a Peace Pole, and when the wood warped, revitalized it with a new Spirit Pole, “a permanent symbol of school pride,” Bullock said.

Lighthall concluded, “He gets enjoyment from simply helping students become their best selves, no matter what level. Keith is at Hughson for the kids, and nothing takes him off that path. He does whatever is necessary to help them both in and out of the classroom.”

Four Teachers of the Year will be selected through an interview process to represent Stanislaus County in the State Teacher of the Year Program. Winners will be announced at the Modesto Rotary luncheon on May 5. One state winner then proceeds to the national level.

Meet HUSD Teacher of the Year Nominee: Ashlee Sloan

January 28, 2026

“Have you ever had an employee who, in just a few short years, you secretly hoped would never leave because they are truly impactful on all levels? Ashlee Sloan demonstrates the qualities of an exemplary teacher through her integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to students and staff.” Ross Middle School Principal Mary La Rosa said of Hughson Unified School District’s 2026 Teacher of the Year nominee from Ross Middle School, Ashlee Sloan.

Each year, the district nominates one teacher per grade span to the Stanislaus County Office of Education and the Modesto Rotary program.

Sloan has taught Art I, II, and Yearbook at Ross Middle School for three years. She recalls her own middle school art experience. “The art room felt like a sanctuary where there were no wrong answers- just experiments waiting to happen.” She recalled teachers who noticed when she struggled, “celebrated small wins and continued to push me to see the potential that I didn’t know I possessed. At a young age, I realized that teachers had the power to change the trajectory of a child’s day- or even their life. I always wanted to be that person for someone else.”

She observed as a student and, now as a teacher, the “aha!” moment students experience, when “a student realizes they can create or accomplish something they didn’t think was possible.”

And so, with a special focus on the whole person, Sloan chose to become an art teacher. “I wanted to be the person who was able to hand the keys to students to access their creativity.”

As an art teacher, Sloan focuses on student access to curriculum grounded in Universal Design for Learning. She models with hands-on instruction, even intentionally making mistakes in the artistic process, “so students are able to visualize the ‘productive struggle.’”

Art and Yearbook classes are also outward-focused. “The best learning happens when students move beyond being recipients of information and skills to being active contributors in a community.” Students engage in critique circles and develop a sense of belonging beyond their artwork through the connections and collaborations this process fosters.

“Ashlee sets high expectations for learning while creating a classroom culture rooted in creativity, respect, and belonging,” La Rosa said. “Beyond her professional skills, Ashlee possesses a rare quality: she encourages and uplifts others through action. As a principal and as a person, I deeply appreciate how Ashlee has supported and encouraged me. She takes the ideas and hopes that many of us carry and puts them into practice with intention and follow-through. That ability to turn belief into action is one of her greatest strengths and a reflection of her authentic leadership.”

Sloan approaches growth and accountability with a nuanced perspective, reminding herself that data and literacy will look different in an art classroom than in a math or science classroom.

“Her classroom is a place where students are empowered to shine, particularly those who may struggle in traditional academic settings. Through art, Ashlee helps students discover confidence, voice, and pride in their work,” La Rosa said.

Sloan tracks visual literacy and skill acquisition, develops a “cabinet of portfolios” with her students, holds high expectations while still creating an environment in which Sloan said she aims for students to “feel safe taking artistic risks and aren’t afraid to ‘fail’. I constantly remind my students of Jon Accuff's famous words, ‘Be brave enough to be bad at something new.’”

Artwork by Sloan’s students can be seen in district art shows, community gallery partnerships and school-wide displays throughout the year. Sloan said she “continues to stay up to date with contemporary artists and rewrite curriculum to incorporate the newest digital tools to ensure my students are receiving a 21st century art education. I believe our students deserve to have teachers who are just as much in ‘a work in progress’ state as their own artworks.”

“Ashlee’s influence is evident throughout the school community. Her artistic talent and leadership are showcased in the annual yearbook, which beautifully captures the spirit and identity of Ross Middle School,” La Rosa wrote. “She was also instrumental in the foundation of the school’s ‘Spotlight!’ event, which replaced the traditional Spring Open House. This all-school celebration highlights the arts and academic accomplishments of students, featuring live music from the jazz band and full staff participation. The event has strengthened family engagement, built school pride, and created a sense of unity and joy that reflects Ashlee’s heart for community.”

Stay tuned to read about Hughson Unified School District’s final nominee.

Meet HUSD Teacher of the Year Nominee: Jenna Kendall

January 27, 2026

Jenna Kendall is the Hughson Unified School District’s 2026 Teacher of the Year nominee from Fox Road Elementary School. Each year, the district nominates one teacher per grade span to the Stanislaus County Office of Education and the Modesto Rotary program.

Nominated by Principal Jeff Persons, Kendall exemplifies the mission at Fox Road Elementary School: “to engage students, academically, socially, and emotionally; to inspire learning and encourage leadership.”

With a passion to help others, Kendall always knew she wanted to be a teacher. As a high school student, she was part of the Buddy Program, buddying up with students who were part of special day classes. “We would go on field trips together, hang out at school together, and work on the Special Olympics. This ignited a passion in my heart to serve and help others.”

After college, she worked 1:1 with those on the Autism Spectrum at The Kendall School. “This made my heart grow even more for those who need a little extra support and guidance.”

As a fourth-grade teacher at Fox Road, Kendall’s goal is to create a safe place for students, including those who may not have a safe place at home. Students pop by her classroom to say hi, have a conversation, vent and maybe even cry. After ten years of teaching, she knows that “the best decision in my life was to be an educator.”

By creating a positive and structured environment, student-centered instruction, and intentional differentiation, Kendall believes students will be comfortable enough to take the risks needed to push themselves academically. A strong relationship with her students early on is the foundation for the rest of the year. “When you and your students share respect for each other, they are willing to push themselves and work harder than ever for you and themselves,” Kendall said.

She creates a routine so students know what to expect and can prepare for it, and she utilizes student-centered instruction, looking at her class as a whole culturally. Kendall analyzes assessments and data to keep herself accountable and do all she can to help students succeed. “I believe my students can always make progress, and when I see that progress is slowing down or stopping with a student, I stop and analyze what that student needs from me. As well as meeting the child academically, I believe that, as educators, we are responsible for our students' well-being mentally and emotionally. Our students will not be able to be fully successful if they are not emotionally and mentally stable.”

Kendall continues to grow professionally, learning the joy of mentoring young adult students and teachers, participating on the school site council committee and PBIS, and working with the Parent-Teacher Club at Fox Road Elementary.

“It is a gift to witness the consistent excellence, joy, and ongoing commitment that she brings to the classroom and to our wider school community through her exceptional instructional practices and deep belief in the betterment of our school,” Principal Jeff Persons said. “Mrs. Kendall continuously shines in her effective instructional practices” by making lessons intentional, interesting and engaging.

“Being an outstanding educator, however, does not touch the surface of the joy and impact that Mrs. Kendall provides,” Persons said. “She is passionate about making a difference, and students, parents, and Mrs. Kendall light up the classroom with their smiles and energy, showing that Room 3 is the place to be!”

“Mrs. Kendall is truly an educator poised for the future of education. She is a guide for exploration, an advocate for student voice, a champion for recognizing potential and giftedness, and just an all-around amazing human being who is definitely deserving of the recognition of Teacher of the Year.”

For Kendall, “Being an educator is not just a job to me, it is a way of life. Each and every student that walks through my doors will forever have a piece of my heart.”

Stay tuned to read about Hughson Unified School District’s other nominees.

Meet HUSD Teacher of the Year Nominee: Sally Jamieson

January 26, 2026

Each year, Hughson Unified School District nominates one teacher per grade span to the Stanislaus County Office of Education and Modesto Rotary Teacher of the Year Program.

Hughson’s 2026 Teacher of the Year nominees are Sally Jamieson from Hughson Elementary School, Jenna Kendall from Fox Road Elementary School, Ashlee Sloan from Ross Middle School and Keith Bullock from Hughson High School. With nominations in, let’s take a look at some of Hughson’s outstanding teachers, especially recognized this year as 2026 Teacher of the Year Nominees.

First up, Sally Jamieson, nominated by Megan Reisz, Principal of Hughson Elementary School.

Sally Jamieson has been a special education teacher at Hughson Elementary School for five years, working with TK through third-grade students with mild to moderate needs. It is a work she describes as her “true calling, one that fills my daily work and my life with excitement.” After building a business with her husband, Jamieson returned to the classroom to complete her college degree. That experience reignited her love of learning and “sparked a desire to help others through teaching.”

Having experienced that spark herself, she looks for it in her daughter and her students. “I believe that this is a vital connection to why I decided to become a teacher. Every day, I am driven by the joy of inspiring young minds, looking for ‘sparks’ and sharing with students and my colleagues my love of learning,” Jamieson said.

While being data-driven, organized and using integrated technology, Jamieson increases opportunities for her students to learn not only the academic work that takes place in the classroom, but also how to connect to the larger world. She utilizes and teaches students to use speech-to-text and text-to-speech to aid in their written expression and basic reading skills, and incorporates virtual experiences for them through “virtual field trips with the California Parks PORTS Program to provide my students access to various State Parks, without the geographical and economic barriers that otherwise exist,” Jamieson said. “My goal is to increase access to the world outside of Hughson and engage students with real-life experiences and learning opportunities.”

“Our classroom is a positive, inclusive environment where students feel valued, safe, and supported. A place where mistakes are expected, learning is fun, and high expectations are set for not only academics but also behavior. We celebrate even the smallest successes and learn how to be a positive member of a school community.”

Jamieson seeks to focus on the whole child, to understand that “basic needs must be met for learning to happen.” As part of this, Jamieson is part of the school site Leadership Team and Guiding Collation and participates in Road to Kinder, representing the Special Education Department.

Her work and effort have not gone unnoticed. Principal Megan Reisz said that Jamieson, “is often described as someone who can sneak a disliked vegetable into a favorite dish and leave the person eating craving for more. This is seen in her lessons, as she works with students, in working with staff and parents alike.”

Reisz described Jamieson as “an educator in every sense of the word,” sparking interest not only in the “lessons that she teaches but in the professional development that she attends.”

She speaks from a caring place, builds strong relationships, listens intensely, connects with families to create stronger home-school partnerships, and actively looks for and implements new strategies she encounters. “Her outside-the-box thinking leads to creative lesson designs that spark interest in subjects students previously found challenging,” Reisz said. For example, Jamieson transformed vocabulary and spelling instruction using Scrabble tiles or predictable text.

“Students who once struggled in certain subjects now approach those areas with curiosity and confidence because of her differentiated instruction and persistent encouragement. Families repeatedly tell me how her support has improved their child’s self-esteem and engagement both in school and at home.”

Stay tuned to read about Hughson Unified School District’s other nominees.