EUREKA (May 29, 2025) – Pam Brittenburg-Andersen, an English Language Learner teacher at Alice Birney Elementary School in the Eureka City Schools District, has been named as the 2025-26 Humboldt County Teacher of the Year by the Humboldt County Superintendent of Schools, Michael Davies-Hughes.
“Pam Brittenburg-Andersen exemplifies what it means to be a transformative educator—her unwavering commitment to multilingual learners has created lasting impact at both the school and district levels,” said Davies-Hughes. “Her efforts to improve reclassification processes, engage families, and align district initiatives with state policy demonstrate her exceptional vision and capacity for systems-level change.”
Brittenburg-Andersen was one of 13 educators honored by the Humboldt County Office of Education with the Excellence in Teaching Award in May. The Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes classroom teachers from Transitional Kindergarten through 12th grade who have been identified as exemplary by their colleagues, students or school communities. Honorees must have a minimum of five years teaching experience.
“Humboldt County is a truly special place, and I am filled with gratitude for this community and the privilege of doing this work here,” said Brittenburg-Andersen. “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition as Humboldt County Teacher of the Year. I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent my career working alongside compassionate and talented individuals who strive each day to improve outcomes for our learners. In my 20 years of teaching in Eureka City Schools, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with teachers, learners, families, administrators, support staff, consultants, and community partners across the district, county, and state. I am eternally grateful for these partnerships, and recognize the profound impact that this collaboration has on the future of our learners. We are all in this together, cultivating the future generations of our community and our world.”
Kristin Sobilo, Alice Birney Elementary School Principal, was enthusiastic of the honor. “Pam’s commitment to the growth and success of our school’s and district’s Second Language learners is truly commendable,” she said. “Her passion for teaching and her ability to inspire and support her students is evident in the progress they make. She is a second language learner, speaking Spanish fluently. She models the mindsets of bilingualism.”
As the Humboldt County Teacher of the Year, Brittenburg-Andersen now has the opportunity to be considered for the California State Teacher of the Year, traditionally announced in October.
CONTACT: Stacy Young, Community Outreach and Engagement Director, (707) 445-7024