Stephanie Sado shows multisensory learning in action as she uses sound-spelling chips and sand trays to strengthen students’ phonics and spelling skills. Sado, a literacy intervention teacher, was honored as OUSD Teacher of the Year for her achievements in her 17 years in the district.
It’s a tried and true local newspaper story: Local girl makes good – and it definitely applies to this year’s Orinda Union School District (OUSD) Teacher of the Year.
Stephanie Sado grew up in Orinda and graduated from Sleepy Hollow, Orinda Intermediate School and Miramonte High School. Even her parents still live in Orinda and have been in her childhood home for 42 years.
“This recognition is incredibly special and a full-circle moment,” said Sado, whose current role is Literacy Intervention Teacher for the OUSD.
Sado earned the honor for her work supporting student learning and instructional practice. The honor highlights her impact in local classrooms and her contributions to strengthening academic outcomes across grade levels.
Sado first joined OUSD in 2009 as a teacher at Sleepy Hollow Elementary. In August 2017, she transitioned to the role of intervention teacher, where she has continued to make a positive impact ever since.
A notable yet positive challenge this year she said was the shift in assessment practices with the implementation of a new literacy screener designed to identify students at risk for reading difficulties and pinpoint specific skill gaps.
“As with any significant instructional change, ongoing training and support for teachers has been essential,” said Sado, who helped lead trainings and professional development sessions, as well as facilitated data review meetings with grade-level teams.
“I appreciate that we have a K–5 assessment tool that helps identify students early who need timely, targeted reading intervention,” she added.
Sado believes educators are facing a growing literacy crisis across the nation, as increasing numbers of students struggle to meet grade-level reading expectations.
“I am proud that the Orinda Union School District was already using a universal screener prior to this legislation and has continued to invest in training teachers in evidence-based practices aligned with the science of reading,” she said. “As a result, our students continue to perform at exceptionally high levels.”
Looking ahead to the 2026-27 school year, Sado wholeheartedly endorsed the value of collaborations with grade-level or subject-area colleagues across sites and where teachers leave with practical resources and ideas to strengthen their practice.
“It takes a collective effort to uphold our shared commitment of ensuring every student learns and thrives at high levels,” she said.
Sado also emphasized the importance of maintaining a work-life balance to avoid burnout so she can return each day with the positive energy and focus needed to show up fully for her students and colleagues.
A tall order for the mother of two, whose weekends are spent watching them play sports, after a week of making evening dinners, packing lunches, homework and finding family time. She also makes it a priority to spend time with friends and stay active, recognizing how important it is to recharge.
In addition to being named the Orinda Union School District Teacher of the Year, Sado has also been recognized by the Contra Costa County Office of Education as one of four finalists in the Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Program, representing 19 school districts across the county.