Celebrating NOCCCD'S Teachers of the Year
Orange County Teachers were celebrated at the 2025 Teachers of the Year Gala on November 1, 2024. The gala took place at the Disneyland Hotel and was hosted by the Orange County Department of Education. This year’s theme was “Resilient and Strong.”
Educators were nominated by their respective schools for their exceptional work with students, and dedication to educational excellence. Cash prizes were awarded by the Orange County Teachers of the Year Award Foundation, and by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union.
NOCCCD’s Teachers of the Year
Kirk Domke is a Professor in Cypress College’s Science/Engineering/Mathematics division. With a degree in Paleontology from USC, he teaches classes including Oceanography, Historical Geology, and Environmental Geology. He began a Coastal Oceanography field studies course that takes place over Spring Break, and lets students learn and observe the natural environment on-site in areas like Big Sur. He also developed Cypress College’s AST degree in Environmental Studies.
Dr. Ziza Delgado Noguera is an Associate Professor and Department Chair of Ethnic Studies at Fullerton College. Dr. Delgado Noguera earned her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees at UC Berkeley. As an educational consultant, she worked with K-12 educators to help them bring Ethnic Studies and equity into their teaching. At Fullerton College she continues her work with Ethnic Studies, and is highly regarded by her colleagues for her dedication, mentorship, empathy, and passion for teaching.
Maryam Rezai is an English as a Second Language Program teacher at North Orange Continuing Education Center (NOCE) where she’s taught and developed curriculum for six years. She holds two Master’s Degrees in Education and in Social Communications. She’s dedicated to working with refugees and other vulnerable populations, helping them to learn English, but also civics and technology, and to connect with vocational training.
NOCCCD is profoundly proud of these remarkable educators. Congratulations to our Teachers of the Year!
*Pictured above from left: Evangelina Rosales (NOCCCD Trustee), Ziza Delgado Noguera, Maryam Rezai, and Kirk Domke.
