Rona Zollinger Is The Martinez Teacher of the Year

Rona Zolliger, a teacher at New Leaf: A Sustainable Living Collaborative, part of Vicente Martinez High School, has been chosen to be the Martinez Teacher of the Year. 

In addition, Zollinger is also one of three teachers to make finalist for the Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year award, which will be decided in August. 

The selection of Zollinger as one of three is quite an accomplishment, given that there are nearly 8,000 teachers in Contra Costa County. She was selected as the

Zollinger teaches environmental studies and all core subjects to her students at the collaborative. The students are able to learn the subjects they study by getting out into the field and participating in hands-on projects and real-world situations. 

"Rona Zollinger brings with her a passion and a talent for teaching that is rarely seen among her peers," said Martinez Unified School District Superintendent Rami Muth. "One of Rona’s main gifts is her ability to bring together people with diverse perspectives and work for a common goal. Rona is a leader of courage and insight and one who is not afraid to move forward even when others are reluctant to follow.  She is a truly gifted educator."