Congrats to Mrs. Grace, Sonoma County Teacher of the Month!
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The Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) recently celebrated Stephanie Grace, a 3rd-grade teacher at Park Side Elementary School in Sebastopol, as the Sonoma County Teacher of the Month for April 2026.
Grace was recognized during a surprise visit to her classroom on the morning of May 8. Representatives from SCOE and local radio stations joined Park Side Principal Molly Bulwa to honor her in front of her students.
The recognition, which honors exceptional public school teachers across Sonoma County, is organized by SCOE in partnership with Amaturo Sonoma Media Group and Wine Country Radio. The stations air ads that invite community members to submit nominations and celebrate the winning teacher.
Grace’s nomination was supported by students, staff, and school families who praised her nearly 40-year dedication to the teaching profession. Nominators described her as an amazing, passionate expert who remains deeply dedicated to her students.
“Ms. Grace is amazing in every way,” one nomination read. “She is dedicated, passionate, and an expert in her craft. You would never guess she has been teaching for almost 40 years”.
Other community members highlighted the creativity and enthusiasm she brings to the classroom, noting that under her leadership, student growth "skyrockets". Grace is known for enhancing the student experience through unique nature-oriented field trips and creative projects, such as building biomes.
Dr. Amie Carter, Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools, whose office organizes the Teacher of the Month program, praised Grace’s long-standing commitment to her students.
“The nominations for Stephanie Grace describe a teacher who is not only a passionate educator but a deeply caring mentor to her students and families,” Carter said. “It’s clear that Stephanie puts her heart into her work and is seen as a wonderful role model and an invaluable asset to the Park Side Elementary community”.
As the Teacher of the Month, Grace received a $500 classroom gift card sponsored by Community First Credit Union and a six-month family membership from the Sonoma County Family YMCA.
About the Teacher of the Month Promotion
Each month, SCOE reviews nominations in English and Spanish submitted through our website by students, families, and staff from Sonoma County’s public school districts and charters and selects one teacher to honor.
The Teacher of the Month program is a collaborative effort between the Sonoma County Office of Education, Froggy 92.9, Exitos 98.7, Latino 100.9, and Hot 101.7 radio stations and sponsors Community First Credit Union and Sonoma County Family YMCA.