California Named Gagik Galfayan Teacher of the Year
The veteran history teacher was recognized for his contributions to the classroom and the state's ethnic studies curriculum.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Secondary Education
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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond named Gagik Galfayan as one of the 2027 California Teachers of the Year. Galfayan is a seventh-grade history teacher at Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Glendale.
Why it matters
The honor recognizes Galfayan for his 14-year commitment to his students and his work in developing the state's educational standards. As a recipient, he will serve as an ambassador for the teaching profession throughout 2027.
Gagik Galfayan, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1995, co-wrote the Armenian American section of California's Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum. He was selected following an extensive process that included an application, classroom observations, and interviews.
The players
Tony Thurmond
He is the State Superintendent of Public Instruction for California.
Gagik Galfayan
He is a seventh-grade history teacher at Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Glendale.
The details
Galfayan was previously honored as the Glendale Unified Teacher of the Year before being selected for the statewide distinction. He helped write the curriculum adopted by the California State Board of Education in 2021.
Timeline
The California Teachers of the Year Program began in 1972.
Gagik Galfayan immigrated to the United States from Armenia in 1995.
The California State Board of Education adopted the model curriculum in 2021.
Galfayan was selected as Glendale Unified Teacher of the Year in April 2026.
Tony Thurmond named Galfayan Teacher of the Year on October 8, 2026.
Culture Shift
The selection reflects a broader trend of integrating diverse historical perspectives into public education across the state. This highlights the growing influence of teachers in shaping statewide academic standards beyond their individual classrooms.
The recognition brings positive attention to the Glendale Unified School District and Woodrow Wilson Middle School. Students and parents in the area benefit from the state-level validation of the instructional quality provided by their local educators.
The takeaway
Recognizing educators like Galfayan emphasizes the vital role teachers play in shaping state curriculum and student success. Residents can look to the success of local teachers as a measure of the ongoing evolution in classroom standards.
Further reading
For more on local schools, visit the Secondary Education page.
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