Eureka (May 13, 2026) — The Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE) hosted its annual celebration honoring California’s Day of the Teacher by recognizing outstanding educators with Excellence in Teaching Awards. This year’s ceremony, held at the Sequoia Conference Center in Eureka, recognized five teachers for their exceptional work in the classroom. With a combined 100 years of teaching experience, these educators were joined by over 150 colleagues, friends, and family members to celebrate their achievements.
The Excellence in Teaching Awards program has been a staple of HCOE since 1986. The awards recognize teachers from Transitional Kindergarten through 12th grade who have been identified as exemplary by their coworkers, parents, or students and have a minimum of five years teaching experience.
This year’s honorees were Amber Coley, Dow’s Prairie Elementary School; Crystal Fennell, Stanley A. Murphy Elementary School; Jennifer Harvey, Alice Birney Elementary School; Hope von Werlhof, Washington Elementary School; and Rachel Whitaker, Sunny Brae Middle School.
“Excellence in teaching changes lives,” said Humboldt County Superintendent of Schools Michael Davies-Hughes. “These honorees represent the dedication, skill, and compassion that define outstanding education in Humboldt County, and we are grateful for the difference they make for students and families every day,”
In addition to the Excellence in Teaching Awards, the event also recognized the Jean Olson Career Achievement Award recipient. Bernie Levy of Cal Poly Humboldt was honored for his lifelong contributions to public education, children, and the community. The Jean Olson Career Achievement Award is named in memory of Jean Olson, a long-time County Board of Education member and President who passed away in 1998.
Pamela Brittenburg-Andersen, the 2025-2026 Humboldt County Teacher of the Year from Alice Birney Elementary School, addressed the audience, inspiring all in attendance. The 2026-2027 Humboldt County Teacher of the Year will be selected from among the Excellence in Teaching Award recipients.
The event was made even more special thanks to contrubutions from Humboldt County high school students. The Fortuna High School Culinary Arts program created appetizers under the guidance of Stacy Nemetz. Kara Forbes. Eureka High Ag Floral Classes created bouquets for the tables. And Ian Hall’s Career Technical Education Students created the engraved wooden cutting board awards.
All the teachers expressed their gratitude for the honor and acknowledged the importance of having the support of their families and colleagues. They also recognized that there are many excellent educators throughout Humboldt County and felt proud to be recognized among them. Visit hcoe.org/awards for more information about our teacher recognition programs.
CONTACT: Stacy Young, Director of Community Outreach and Engagement outreach@hcoe.org or 707-445-7024