Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica and 2026 Placer County Elementary School Teacher of the Year Emmy Ainsworth. Photo courtesy of Placer County Office of Education

ROCKLIN, CA (MPG) - Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica is pleased to announce the following 2026 Placer County Teachers of the Year: Emmy Ainsworth, (Newcastle Elementary School District), Allison Renth (Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District) and Robert Moreno (Roseville Joint Union High School District).

“Teachers change lives in ways that extend far beyond the classroom,” said Superintendent Garbolino-Mojica. “We are proud to recognize the outstanding educators of Placer County who spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire students every day.”

Emmy Ainsworth, 2026 Placer County Elementary School Teacher of the Year
Emmy Ainsworth is an innovative fifth-grade teacher at Newcastle Elementary School whose passion for student success extends beyond the classroom. Inspired by her mother, also a Placer County educator, Ainsworth launched a K-8 math intervention program at Newcastle Elementary that helped expand schoolwide intervention supports. She is a strong advocate for project-based learning and recently earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.

Allison Renth, 2026 Placer County Middle Grades Teacher of the Year
Allison Renth is a sixth-grade math teacher at Antelope Crossing Middle School who is passionate about creating supportive and engaging learning environments for students. Inspired by her high school math teacher and the strong women educators in her life, Renth has also taken on leadership roles in her district, supporting professional development in universal design for learning and social-emotional learning.

Robert Moreno, 2026 Placer County High School Teacher of the Year
Robert Moreno is an AP English teacher at Antelope High School who is passionate about helping students feel seen and represented in the classroom. The son of immigrants from El Salvador who became teachers after moving to the United States, Moreno emphasizes diverse literature and speeches that reflect students’ cultures and experiences. A Woodcreek High School graduate, he also prioritizes supporting students beyond the classroom through after-school activities.

Mr. Moreno has been selected as the Placer County representative to advance to the state-wide California Teacher of the Year program through the California Department of Education.

Each year, the Placer County Office of Education honors three Teachers of the Year – Elementary School, Middle Grades and High School – through a process that highlights educational innovation, student learning, a commitment to professional development and empathy for all students to ensure equity in education. Further, the program highlights the positive aspects of our educational system. This year, 24 teachers from across the county were nominated from their respective districts.