EL MONTE, Calif. – Mountain View School District (MVSD) proudly celebrates two outstanding members of Team Mt. View: Jim Morentin, the District's 2026-27 Teacher of the Year, and Andy Sanchez, its 2026-27 Classified Employee of the Year. Both honorees exemplify the dedication, compassion and service that help students succeed every day.

A seventh- and eighth-grade mathematics teacher at Parkview School, Morentin represented MVSD at the Los Angeles County Office of Education's annual Teachers of the Year celebration on September 25, joining educators from across Los Angeles County in recognition of their contributions to public education.

With 36 years in education, Morentin continues to find joy in teaching and connecting with students. He earned a bachelor's degree from California State University, San Bernardino and a master's degree from California State University, Los Angeles.

Morentin describes kindness, patience and compassion as central to his teaching philosophy, recognizing that positive relationships help students build confidence and tackle challenging mathematical concepts.

Sanchez, day custodian for MVSD Preschool Programs, was honored as the District's Classified Employee of the Year during the September meeting of the MVSD Board of Education.

Since joining MVSD in 2019, Sanchez has served at several District sites before assuming his current role with Preschool Programs in 2022.

Known for his dependability, positive attitude and willingness to help wherever needed, Sanchez does far more than maintain clean and welcoming learning environments. His connection with MVSD's youngest students extends to taking time to read with preschoolers, demonstrating the care and encouragement that make a lasting impression on children.

Sanchez also contributes to campus safety and emergency preparedness efforts through his participation on Preschool Programs safety committees.

His spirit of service extends beyond MVSD. He has volunteered during COVID-19 relief food drives and participated in community service activities through his church, hospitals and care homes.

"Jim and Andy are our District's Teacher and Classified Employee of the Year, and we are equally proud to celebrate the tremendous contributions each of them makes to Team Mt. View," shared Raymond Andry, Ed.D., Superintendent. "Their roles may be different, but both demonstrate the care, dedication and commitment that our students and families experience every day."

The recognitions celebrate the contributions of both certificated and classified employees and the many roles that support student success across Mountain View School District.

"Whether it is helping a student understand a challenging math concept or making sure our youngest learners arrive each day to a clean and welcoming school environment, both Jim and Andy make a meaningful difference," Andry said.

Congratulations, Jim and Andy! Thank you for your continued dedication to our students, families and colleagues and for representing the very best of Team Mt. View.

Our two exemplary employees' recognition was also recently featured by Mid Valley News. 

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The Mountain View School District serves students in preschool through 8th grade and is dedicated to preparing today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders for success. Following their mission to inspire each student to succeed every day, they are strongly committed to supporting the academic, social and emotional growth and achievement of all students. School counselors and mental health partners are available at every school supporting the development of the whole child. 

MVSD is proud to provide innovative learning experiences that prepare students to become problem solvers, critical thinkers, effective communicators and positive contributors to their community with programs like STEAM, Spanish Dual Immersion, AVID, Mandarin Enrichment, Visual and Performing Arts, Band, and a strong college bound culture, no-cost after school enrichment, care and instructional support, and comprehensive summer enrichment. MVSD is also proud to be one of the four Los Angeles County Disney Imagination Campus Districts.

Visit mtviewschools.com to learn more.

Jocelyn Canel, Public Information Officer

3320 Gilman Rd. • El Monte, CA 91773

Phone: (626) 652-4953