Celebrating Our 2025 Teacher of the Year and 2025 Classified Employee of the Year!

Saratoga Union School District is pleased to announce our 2025 Teacher of the Year and 2025 Classified Staff of the Year. Voted on by their colleagues, please join us in congratulating Kristina Talia, Special Day Class Teacher at Foothill Elementary School and Jolo Robles, Science and Makerspace Aide at Foothill Elementary School!

"SUSD is fortunate to have an amazing team of professional and dedicated teachers and classified employees. We are happy to recognize two outstanding employees who support their students and their staff peers every day!" stated Superintendent Dr. Ken Geisick. 

We are excited to celebrate Kristina Talia as SUSD’s 2025 Teacher of the Year! Kristina masterfully teaches our upper-grade special day class, expertly addressing the wide variety of needs by creating programs for each student based on their strengths and interests, collaborating daily with general education teachers to support inclusion, and maintaining close contact with all of her students' families. The impact of her dedication is clear, as one nominee shared: “Kristina has been an unwavering source of support, compassion and dedication to her students as well as the aides who work in her classrooms. She goes above and beyond for every student in her classroom and I have witnessed first-hand her students thrive while being taught and guided by her." 

Kristina's hands-on projects greatly benefit her students' learning styles and provide incredible inclusive opportunities. She also runs our Playground Pals Bus Stop (PPBS) program, fostering leadership opportunities and encouraging additional fun exploration at recess and lunch time. As a well-respected colleague and bright member of our Foothill community, we are so fortunate to have an educator such as Kristina! 

Kristina will be honored at the Santa Clara County Teacher Recognition Celebration in the Fall. 

 

We are excited to celebrate Jolo Robles, SUSD’s 2025 Classified Staff of the Year! His dedication and positivity bring our science classes and Maker Space to life, fostering what one nominee described as “a vibrant learning hub where Foothill students engage in hands-on activities that foster science, technology, teamwork, and creative problem-solving, while also developing fundamental skills” and “a safe and inclusive environment where students feel empowered to explore, take risks, and learn from their experiences.” Under Jolo's inspiring guidance, Foothill students engage in rich hands-on learning experiences, from constructing sustainable cities to mastering practical skills like sewing and safely operating tools. 

In addition, Jolo's coordination of a fantastic science fair expo provided a platform for students to proudly share their innovations. Students and teachers eagerly anticipate Jolo's impactful and fun classes, making him an invaluable asset to our school community.