Sally Buselt Elementary School teacher and Menifee resident Lesley Stevens has been named one of four 2027 Riverside County Teachers of the Year.
Stevens received the surprise honor Thursday morning during what appeared to be an assembly for the school’s annual Living Wax Museum. Instead, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez and Menifee Union School District Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Root arrived to announce that she had been selected as a Riverside County Teacher of the Year.
The 38-year educator is described as a “teacher of teachers” by her colleagues, having served as a collaborative coach, induction mentor, curriculum designer and professional development leader in the district since 1993, according to the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE).
“What distinguishes Mrs. Stevens most is her unparalleled knowledge of students. I have never known a teacher who understands the needs of her students in greater detail. She treats each child as an individual and works tenaciously to ensure their success,” RCOE administrator Dennis Regus said.
Beyond the classroom, Stevens has also helped connect students with local history through her work with the Menifee Valley Historical Association. She developed “History in a Box” kits for teachers and students to learn about the community’s past.
“Through grant writing and partnerships, she has expanded opportunities for students to engage with local history through museum visits, native plant projects and hands-on learning experiences,” Gomez said.
Stevens said she was surprised by the announcement and credited Principal Stephanie Acosta with creating a school culture that makes her excited to come to work each day.
“This school is such a special place,” Stevens said. “I am so happy to be here in the final years of my career.”
Stevens’ teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that when students feel valued, curious and challenged, they become active participants in their own learning, according to RCOE.
“Mrs. Stevens remains, first and foremost, a teacher who inspires students to think deeply, collaboratively, and always helps them to believe in their potential,” Acosta said.
Riverside County Teachers of the Year are selected from nearly 20,000 educators countywide.
Teachers are nominated by their districts before a selection committee reviews applications and chooses semifinalists. Interviews and site visits are then conducted to determine the final four honorees.
John Francis of the Moreno Valley Unified School District, Nanette (Nan) Davis-Kirchhevel of the Desert Sands Unified School District and Pedro Juarez of the Beaumont Unified School District were also named 2027 Riverside County Teachers of the Year.
All four teachers will represent Riverside County in the 2027 California Teacher of the Year competition. They will also be spotlighted at the 2027 Celebrating Educators Luncheon on May 4, 2027.
