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Educator Jericho Griffin of Frederiksen Elementary School has been named the 2025-26 Teacher of the Year by the Dublin Unified School District.
Known for creating an engaging and student-centered classroom, Griffin stands out for her exemplary communication, warmth and professionalism, district officials said in a statement recognizing educators this school year.
“Winning District Teacher of the Year is both a celebration and a calling,” Griffin told the Pleasanton Weekly during an email interview. “It inspires me to continue growing, to uplift others in the profession and to showcase the passion and innovation that define education at its best!”
Prior to working at Frederiksen, Griffin began her career in education nine years ago in Kansas.
Upon moving to California, she initially worked at the Dublin-based campus as an intervention specialist three years ago wherein she helped students improve their reading skills, district officials said. During her time in the role, she helped secure “significant gains” in Frederiksen’s STAR and CAASPP scores, they added.
Since then, Griffin has worked with the same cohort of students as they rose from fourth to fifth grade, according to district officials.
“I want my students to feel safe, loved, explore, collaborate, problem solve, learn from each other and more importantly be able to apply their learning to multiple real world situations,” Griffin said.
“While growth in learning is important, what truly drives me is seeing students build confidence, discover their strengths, and realize their potential,” she explained.
During class, she engages students through cross-curricular learning and guest speakers, district officials said.
She also began incorporating American Sign Language into the classroom last year as a way to honor and support a Deaf student.
During silent snack periods, students communicate exclusively through ASL and nonverbal cues for reading-time, games and a snack, she explained.
“Introducing ASL was not only about accessibility. It was also about inclusion, awareness and connection,” she said. “I wanted to create a learning environment where all forms of communication are valued, and where students understand that language extends beyond spoken words.”
ASL interpreter Apryl Chauhan applauded Griffin’s incorporation of sign language in the classroom.
“Mrs. Griffin has truly become an ally for her Deaf student and a role model for the hearing students to embrace and respect new cultures and languages,” Chauhan told the Weekly.
“She exemplifies the excellence and dedication that define Dublin Unified,” district officials said.
The district also announced peer-nominated awards for the 2025-26 Teachers of the Year for each school site.
Joining Griffin were Christine Miller of Amador Elementary, Michele Chandler of Dublin Elementary, Christine Yim of James Dougherty Elementary, Teri Kolon of John Green Elementary, Renee Rutherford of Kolb Elementary, Alexander Lopez of Murray Elementary, Sharon Pizer of Cottonwood Creek TK-8, Barbara Barrett of Fallon Middle, Devon Combe of Wells Middle, Holly Garcia of Dublin High, Christopher MacDougall of Emerald High and Deborah Silverberg Lopez of Valley High.
Colleagues named the honorees for their dedication to students, instructional excellence and school leadership.
“Our teachers make Dublin Unified the exceptional district it is,” DUSD Superintendent Chris Funk said in a statement. “We are incredibly proud of this year’s Teachers of the Year and grateful for the meaningful impact they have on students and families.”
