On October 31, 2025, during the annual high school Halloween Assembly, Middle and High School Principal Mrs. Tovar presented the Teacher of the Year for 2025: Mrs. Cortez 

The award, given by Mme. Le Thanh, the Teacher of the Year for 2024, was voted on by fellow teachers, and the teacher with the highest number of votes received the award. 

The roar of applause from students and teachers was overwhelming as Mrs. Cortez took the stage to be announced as the 2025 Teacher of the Year. 

This award stands as a testament to Mrs. Cortez’s hard work, representation of the Loretto core values, and dedication to every student who steps into her classroom.

Involvement in community

Mrs. Cortez has taught at Loretto for 22 years, ranging across a wide variety of subjects such as middle school dance, middle school drama, aerobic activities, health, and communications. 

She is also the head sponsor of the sophomore class, coach of the Orchesis team, and directs the theater for every spring and fall production.

To explain the evolution of Loretto since she began her journey, Mrs. Cortez said, “In some aspects, it’s a lot of the same, but every year seems to give me a different type of classes that I teach.”

How Mrs. Cortez manages to balance this set of responsibilities while putting exceptional effort into them all makes her a clear standout among faculty. 

In her classroom, Mrs. Cortez’s method of instruction is to teach students through a perspective shaped by how she hopes they will leave her class. 

About her method, Mrs. Cortez said, “I work backwards to make sure I give my students the tools that they will require to build towards the end product.”

A touching moment 

To be recognized in such an esteemed manner in front of the entire high school was an emotional moment for Mrs. Cortez. 

Reflecting on the moment, she said, “It’s a strong emotional feeling to know that your peers recognize you for something that you do without wanting recognition.” 

A true testimony to her character, she said, “There’s nothing that I do while I’m teaching, thinking that I hope to be recognized, or patted on my back.” 

Mrs. Cortez expressed that receiving Teacher of the Year in front of the whole student body was slightly overwhelming, yet the award and validation felt worthwhile. 

Words of encouragement

Mrs. Cortez’s wisdom, experience, and dedication are values that both students and teachers at Loretto Academy can learn from. 

Sharing her words of advice to the Loretto teachers, Mrs. Cortez said, “It is really important for teachers to collaborate and work with one another as best as they can, and also be respectful to everyone.”

Mrs. Cortez’s dedication and love for the school are proof that Loretto Academy is shaped by leaders who wear their hearts on their sleeves in the classroom every day. 

Mrs. Cortez is truly an embodiment of what Loretto Academy stands for, as the community recognizes her for all her outstanding work. 

Congratulations, Mrs. Cortez, Teacher of the Year 2025!