Gagik Galfayan, a seventh-grade history teacher at Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Glendale, has been named one of 5 California Teachers of the Year for 2027, and is the only honoree from Los Angeles County.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced the 5 on October 8. They will serve as ambassadors for the teaching profession and represent California educators through 2027.
“California’s Teachers of the Year represent the very best of our profession,” Thurmond said.
The others are Katie Andan of La Costa Heights Elementary School in San Diego County, who is also California’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year, Edmund Maino of Tehachapi High School in Kern County, Wendy Saldivar of Loara Elementary School in Orange County, and Ashley Uraine of Yucaipa High School in San Bernardino County.
He Spent 6 Years Teaching in Glendale’s Armenian Immersion Program
Before Wilson, Galfayan taught for 6 years in the Armenian Dual Language Immersion Program at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, where instruction runs in Eastern Armenian and students are also introduced to Western Armenian and Mesropian orthography through literature and supplementary materials.
Glendale Unified runs the program from preschool through high school. Jefferson and R.D. White Elementary take it from kindergarten, Wilson and Eleanor J. Toll offer it as a middle school elective, and Clark Magnet, Glendale and Hoover high schools carry it as a world language.
He has now taught 7 years at Wilson, where he teaches history, Advanced History 7 and yearbook. He chairs the history department, runs the Debate Club and serves as the Glendale Teachers’ Association site chair.
He Advanced Through 72 District Nominees to Reach the State Round
Galfayan was named Glendale Unified’s Teacher of the Year in April. In September the Los Angeles County Office of Education named him one of 16 county Teachers of the Year at its 45th annual awards banquet, chosen from 72 district-level nominees on the strength of essays, lesson plans and panel interviews.
County offices of education feed their winners into the state competition. Department of Education committees then review the applications, assess rapport with students, classroom environment, presentation and teaching technique, and interview the candidates before the State Superintendent selects the 5. The program has run since 1972.
Mark Jeffers, Kareli Rodriguez, Brittany Walters and Stacy Williams were named finalists this year.
His Principal Says His Presence Is What Sets Him Apart
“In every classroom, he brings depth of knowledge, thoughtful instruction, and an unwavering commitment to student growth,” said Alen Akhverdyan, principal of Wilson Middle School, adding that “his impact stretches far beyond a bell schedule.”
“What truly sets Mr. Galfayan apart is his presence. He brings a rare sense of calm and steadiness to our campus,” Akhverdyan said. “Teachers, students, and parents deeply respect and admire him. He is understanding, compassionate, and grounded.”
Glendale Unified Superintendent Dr. Darneika Watson tied his teaching to his own arrival in the country.
“As someone who came to this country as a child, he brings a deep understanding of the power of education to change lives, and that perspective is reflected in the way he connects with and inspires his students every day,” Watson said.
Board President Ingrid Gunnell said the recognition reflects “not only Mr. Galfayan’s exceptional work in the classroom, but also the powerful example he represents for our students and community.”
