Celebrating Our 2026 Teacher and Classified Staff of the Year!

Saratoga Union School District (SUSD) is excited to announce our 2026 Teacher and Classified Employee of the Year. Nominated by their colleagues, please join us in congratulating Vicki Andary, a first grade teacher at Foothill Elementary School, and Selena Weaver, the administrative assistant at Redwood Middle School.

“SUSD is a tight-knit community, and our staff members care deeply for the wellbeing of our students and families,” Superintendent Dr. Ken Geisick said. “We are proud to recognize these two shining employees, who demonstrate this in their daily work and the systems they create. In a society with so many differences, they bridge barriers to ensure growth and success during our students’ vital formative years in addition to benefiting their colleagues.”

2026 Teacher of the Year

Vicki Andary
First Grade Teacher
Foothill Elementary School

This year the district celebrates Vicki Andary as SUSD’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. Ms. Andary is a first grade teacher at Foothill Elementary and is recognized as a longstanding pillar of the community, wrapping up her 29th year as teacher at the school. She will be recognized among 31 other teachers from across the county during the Santa Clara County Teacher Recognition Celebration in the fall.

“To know Vicki is to know the care and warmth she brings to her work,” Principal Debbie Stewart reflects. “She makes students and adults alike feel welcomed and supported. Vicki is adored by her first grade students, appreciated by her families, and respected by her colleagues.” 

Ms. Andary is acknowledged for going above and beyond in every aspect of her job and giving generously of her time and talents for those around her. She is involved in countless committees, teams and events, including the Foothill Faculty Advisory Committee, Foothill Instructional Leadership Team, School Sunshine Committee and District Leadership Team. She is also an active participant in the Volunteer Appreciation and Yearbook committees and the site representative for the Saratoga Teachers Association and the representative for the Parent Teacher Association. On top of that, Ms. Andary volunteers one evening a week to host virtual "Pajama Story Time" for her students, where she reads them stories on Zoom. She gets to know her students deeply and adjusts her teaching in response to their needs.

Ms. Andary’s teammates say she is incredibly supportive, kind, creative, funny, loyal, and organized, doing anything to support those around her. 

“Vicki’s selfless attitude and huge heart really set her apart,” Stewart adds. “She puts her students' needs above all else and finds creative ways to meet their needs."

For example, this year Ms. Andary created a project based learning activity incorporating social studies and Math with the school’s First Grade Shops Market. 

“She has tremendous knowledge and is always open to learning new things,” Stewart said. “Her dedication is inspiring. We are indebted to Vicki and all she brings to our school and our lives!”

2026 Classified Staff of the Year

Selena Weaver
Administrative Assistant
Redwood Middle School

The District is excited to announce Selena Weaver as the 2026 Classified Staff of the Year. Ms. Weaver’s official title may stand as administrative assistant at Redwood Middle School since 2018, but she is adored by Principal Steve Hamm and her school community as a “true Wonder Woman” who consistently weaves wonders to implement processes for smoother and more efficient office operations.

“(Ms. Weaver) is highly creative and smart, constantly learning and evolving to improve office life for everyone in a very busy environment,” Hamm said. “Her impact this academic year has been particularly profound, as she introduced several innovations that have streamlined the entire working culture and made the office a better place for staff and students alike.”

In terms of logistics and organization, Ms. Weaver has completely transformed the school's physical and digital systems. She has initiated a new book room and remodeled the textbook area, making the process of checking materials in and out much easier; redesigned the supply room closet to ensure teacher requests are filled quickly; mastered the complexities of the master schedule; and overhauled the Chromebook and charger loaner system. Her attention to detail extends to field trip coordination, where she manages everything from bus rentals to student organization to ensure everyone stays safe and on schedule.

Beyond her technical skills, Ms. Weaver is a compassionate advocate for the well-being of the campus community. She helped launch the quiet corner to give students a space to unplug and reset, and she even added a touch of joy to the office by supplying froggies for the aquarium, which has become a favorite for both students and adults. 

Ms. Weaver is a dedicated supporter of her teammates, proactively reaching out to assist teachers and encouraging a healthy work-life balance by reminding colleagues to be present with their families.

“Ultimately, Redwood would not be the exceptional place it is without Selena’s influence,” Hamm added. “Her contributions are so vast that it is difficult to summarize them all, but her dedication to both efficiency and empathy makes her truly deserving of recognition. She is the backbone of the school, and her colleagues honestly don't know how the school would function without her constant support and innovation."