OCDE Surprises Dr. Catherine Reinhardt-Zacair with 2026 Teacher of the Year Award
Fullerton College’s 2025 Faculty of the Year, Dr. Catherine Reinhardt-Zacair, was recently recognized as one of six educators for the Orange County 2026 Teacher of the Year award. An accolade from the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE), the Teacher of the Year award honors six educators throughout Orange County who were selected through a comprehensive application and interview process conducted by a panel of educators and community leaders.
Each year, the Office of Student Life and Leadership coordinates the nomination process for the Teacher and Faculty of the Year awards. A highly collaborative effort, the process involves gathering input, preparing nomination materials and ensuring that selected faculty are recognized for their dedication and impact.
“Leading this process is truly meaningful to me, as it allows us to ensure our educators receive the appreciation they deserve. I’m proud to help lift their stories and supporting this recognition is a real privilege. It’s been such a joy to see Catherine honored; she gives so much to our community and truly deserves it,” said Student Services Specialist Elizabeth Flores.
Out of the six winners, Dr. Reinhardt-Zacair is the only educator from the community colleges. The process for her award looked a little different, with her being recognized through a parallel track of the county’s program.
Last week, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean, OCDE representatives, sponsors, reporters and camera crews made a surprise visit to Dr. Reinhardt-Zacair’s French 101 class to honor her with the award.
Staff from the Humanities Division, Student Life and Leadership and Instructional Services also joined the OCDE team in the surprise visit.
“The Teacher of the Year Award recognizes the wonderful partnership between French-speaking Hornets and myself over the past 10 years. I would like to thank them for having the courage to use their French in the real world and allow my teaching to transform their lives.” said Dr. Reinhardt-Zacair.
Dr. Catherine Reinhardt-Zacair has inspired students for nearly four decades. Having joined Fullerton College in 2015, she has served as a professor of French with a knowledge beyond the classroom. She began her career in 1989 as a high school French and German teacher in Wisconsin, later going on to teach at colleges and universities, including Chapman University.
At Fullerton College, she teaches French courses and leads the annual French Film Festival, which aims to connect high school partners and the local community with French culture through the power of film. Her students have also gone off to do amazing things, with one of them set to teach English in France in the next chapter of their life.
She will be formally honored at a gala on Nov. 7 at the Disneyland Hotel, where she will receive a $25,000 award from the Orange County Teachers of the Year Award Foundation.
Read more about the 2026 OC Teachers of the Year on OCDE’s recent news feature.
