Excellence in Education
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The Merced County Excellence in Education program began in 2006 through a partnership between the Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU) and the Merced County Office of Education (MCOE). The program highlights the work of outstanding Merced County teachers, administrators and school employees.
Winners from school districts are selected as honorees, with one teacher, one administrator and one school employee receiving the county winner award. Each county winner will receive a sculpture titled "Commencement" created by famed Valley artist Clement Renzi and a framed photo of them with their superintendent. Nominees, family members, and guests are invited to attend the evening reception and awards ceremony, sponsored by EECU.
View a digital version of 2026 Merced County Excellence in Education program.
2026 Excellence in Education Winners
Employee of the Year
Ysabel Espinosa
Instructional Aide II
El Nido Elementary School District
Administrator of the Year
Elizabeth Phonesavanh
Associate Principal
Merced Union High School District
Teacher of the Year
Ronalee Johnson
Math Teacher
Atwater Elementary School District
Ysabel Espinosa – 2026 School Employee of the Year
Ysabel is the Instructional Aide at El Nido Elementary School. She approaches her role with the clear vision that a library is more than a room filled with books, but a hub for curiosity, creativity and community. Thanks to Ysabel, the library has become the cornerstone of positive school culture on campus.
Elizabeth Phonesavanh – 2026 Administrator of the Year
As the Associate Principal at Golden Valley High School, Elizabeth’s main goal is always to provide the guidance, encouragement and practical support each student needs to reach their full potential. Elizabeth has an exceptional ability to connect with students who are often considered the hardest to reach and approaches each of them with empathy, patience and authenticity. She never labels them as “bad kids.” Instead, she looks beyond their challenges and helps them recognize their own potential.
Ronalee Johnson – 2026 Teacher of the Year
Ronalee is a Math teacher at Mitchell Senior Elementary School. Her classroom is a space where students feel like they can belong and collaborate with each other, regardless of background or identity. Her instruction connects to her student's lives and interests, from incorporating their names into word problems to designing tasks around what they enjoy. Ronalee believes every student deserves a classroom where they are deeply known, consistently challenged and fully supported.