Quezada, a social science teacher at El Monte High School, received the Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award, which honors educators who embody the spirit of the late Bobby Salcedo through service, perseverance, and community involvement. District leaders said the award highlights both Quezada’s classroom impact and her long-standing role as a mentor and role model.
Earlier this year, Quezada was named Teacher of the Year by the El Monte Union High School District, marking a milestone in her 37-year career. Administrators said the Esperanza Award builds on that recognition by emphasizing values that extend beyond academics.
El Monte Esperanza Award Reflects Shared Legacy
Quezada’s connection to Salcedo began during their time teaching together at South El Monte High School. She recalled Salcedo as a charismatic and energetic educator who prioritized relationships and stayed deeply connected to the community where he was raised.
“Bobby lived in the community, worked in the community, and never left,” Quezada said. “That commitment always stayed with me.”
Throughout her career, Quezada has focused on cultivating esperanza, or hope, in her classroom. She teaches students that learning develops through persistence, reflection, and steady effort rather than immediate success. She reminds them that setbacks represent moments, not limits, and that growth often comes through consistency.
Her approach also centers on collaboration. Quezada structures her classes to encourage teamwork and mutual support, helping students build confidence and communication skills. She said that philosophy reflects what she learned from Salcedo as a colleague.
“Students grow when they work together,” Quezada said. “No one succeeds alone. That was something Bobby believed in, and it’s something I try to teach every day.”
District leaders said Quezada’s influence reaches beyond lesson plans. They noted her emphasis on civic awareness and responsibility, encouraging students to see themselves as active members of their community.
Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said Quezada exemplifies the purpose of the Esperanza Award.
“Sara Quezada embodies the qualities this award celebrates,” Zuniga said. “She inspires hope, encourages perseverance, and shows students the power of their own efforts. Her career is a true reflection of Bobby Salcedo’s legacy, and we are proud to honor her.”
The Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award is supported by local education partners, including the El Monte Promise Foundation, which works to expand opportunities for students across the community. More information about the foundation’s programs is available at https://www.elmontepromise.org.
For Quezada, the recognition holds personal meaning because it connects her work to a colleague she admired and a community she has served for decades. She said the award reinforces her belief that education is about building belonging and purpose alongside academic skills.
As El Monte schools continue to highlight educators who anchor their campuses and neighborhoods, district officials said Quezada’s honor stands as a reminder of the lasting impact of teachers who dedicate their careers to the community they call home.
