Pioneer Technical Center Charter

Madera County Schools

As a teacher leader at a school focused on career technical education, Jennifer Neely taps her years as a former firefighter to motivate students to become college and career ready. Parents have transferred schools just so she can be their child’s teacher. In terms of leadership, she runs PLCs smoothly with purpose, direction, and collegiality. Her colleagues call her “positive, caring, and genuine,” as well as “Wonder Woman.”

Finalists: Daryl Katoch, Alta Sierra Internediate School; Ali Kirkorian, Sanger Academy Charter School; Gilbert Fierro, Washington Academic Middle School; Sheryl Elliott, Clark Intermediate School