The 22nd annual Tamalada Gala, presented by the El Monte Promise Foundation, was held Thursday, Dec. 11, at the festively decorated Grace T. Black Auditorium. Community members gathered to enjoy tamales and champurrado while celebrating an annual tradition that honors the best in education in El Monte. At the event, Alma Gonzales, director of Head Start and Preschool Programs for Mountain View School District, was recognized as one of four 2025 recipients of the Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award for Excellence in Education (Esperanza Award).
The Esperanza Award recognizes educators whose leadership, service and commitment uplift students and communities. Gonzales was honored alongside Maritza Duenas, Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) from El Monte City School District; Sara Quezada, Social Science educator from El Monte Union High School District; and Cecilia Rocha, Dean of Student Equity and Achievement from Rio Hondo College, celebrating excellence across the region in advancing educational opportunities for children and families.
Since becoming director in 2000, Gonzales has led the growth and strengthening of Mountain View’s robust preschool programs, expanding access to Head Start and Early Head Start services for the district’s youngest learners. Under her leadership, the program has grown from a modest operation into a comprehensive early learning system serving nearly 400 children annually, with expanded full-day programs, new classrooms, renovated playgrounds and services for expectant mothers, infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children. The program, which just celebrated its 60th year, is recognized as an exemplary site within the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) family of Head Start programs, highlighting the generational importance of early education in our community.
“Alma Gonzales is the definition of servant leadership,” Superintendent Dr. Raymond Andry said. “Her vision, persistence and deep understanding of the Head Start model have transformed early learning in Mountain View and the region. The success of our preschool programs over the last 25 years is a direct reflection of her unwavering commitment to children, families and community.”
Gonzales is widely recognized for her ability to navigate complex state and federal requirements while remaining deeply responsive to community needs. Through data-driven community assessments, grant writing and shared decision-making with parent leaders, she has overseen the development of more than seven new facilities and playground projects across the district.
“This award means that my work serving our youngest students and families has made a positive impact on the El Monte community,” Gonzales said. “It also gives me a sense of belonging—to the schools I serve and to my workplace—which motivates me to use my talents and efforts every day. My passion for teaching and the love I have for early childhood education has enriched my life in so many ways. I want to thank our preschool staff, the administrative team, other local agencies, and the Los Angeles County Office of Education for helping Mountain View become an exemplary preschool program.”
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Gonzales is an active community volunteer and longtime MVSD stalwart champion for the annual El Monte Emily Ishigaki Children’s Day Parade.
Mountain View School District congratulates Alma Gonzales and all 2025 Esperanza Award honorees for their collective impact in strengthening educational opportunities throughout the region.
