Guzman Geraldine de Guzman’s work with special education students at Del Rey resulted in her being named the Orinda Union School District’s 2025–26 Classified School Employee of the Year. Guzman began working at Del Rey in 2016.
When Del Rey Elementary is a distant memory, special education teacher Geraldine de Guzman takes pride in knowing she is setting up her charges for success in situations now and years to come.
Named Orinda Union School District’s 2025–26 Classified School Employee of the Year, de Guzman has served as a special services assistant at Del Rey Elementary School since 2016, supporting students in the school’s special education department.
Her steady and reliable presence helps students feel secure, focused and confident in their abilities. Del Rey colleagues deeply value her unwavering professionalism and positive attitude, while students respond naturally to her warmth and sincerity.
She comes from a family of educators, so that served as her inspiration to work in this environment.
“I am driven by my desire to make a difference in helping students achieve their independence and building their social and academic skills,” said de Guzman.
An El Sobrante resident, de Guzman was surprised and elated to receive the honor, citing trust as “a key motivator to have a smooth repertoire and relationship with the students.”
This happens by creating a safe and enjoyable place for the children too. “Fostering a positive environment means going beyond your daily duties,” she said.
She said consistency and trust are built through simple but meaningful interactions each day.
“Moments like greeting and welcoming students every morning when they enter their classroom,” she said. “Another thing is when I engage in one-on-one conversations about their interests, giving them the opportunity to make choices and establishing consistent daily routines.”
Whether it is in the classroom or what she observes on the playground when a student is expressing a kind word to a peer that couldn’t be done before, those moments are precious and significant.
Simple words like thank you and please are very important with these special kids as they learn to socialize. Teaching them to be kind and polite and to be patient are important skills that will be the cornerstone of their lives in the workplace.
“I help them acquire these skills by modeling respectful behavior in and out of the classroom,” she said. “Structured activities using games and group work that require taking turns talking, waiting and cooperative problem-solving.”
Her personal philosophy also guides her work with students.
“Always do your best and learn from your mistakes,” said de Guzman. “Living life involves core values such as kindness, patience and constant learning.”
“I feel joy when students learn and excel academically or socially, because it witnesses students’ progress and justifies my time and dedication in providing individualized support,” she added. “In Special Education, ‘aha’ moments are happening very quickly.”
When the school day is done, de Guzman’s isn’t – she goes to assist with more special people. Her attention turns to serving the elderly through Bright Star Care of Moraga and Tri Valley Personal Home Care for Elderly.