SDCCU Classroom Heroes®

SDCCU Classroom Heroes

Not all heroes wear capes! SDCCU has proudly honored teachers in San Diego County for over 10 years through its Classroom Heroes program, which has recently been enhanced to honor San Diego county teachers' hard work even more during the school year. 

During the school year, SDCCU will honor one local San Diego County teacher each month as a SDCCU Classroom Hero. Classroom Heroes will be given a $500 Visa^® gift card, a Classroom Hero award and their accomplishments will be featured on a segment on CBS 8 and The CW in San Diego.

One lucky Classroom Hero will win our grand prize: A five day, four night luxury staycation at Kona Kai Resort that includes a spa treatment for two, a day bed at the pool, over $600 in restaurant credits and more!

Nominate a deserving teacher here. Visit sdccu.com/sweepstakes for complete rules.

Learn more about our Classroom Hero winners below!

2024-2025 Classroom Heroes Winners

December 2024 Classroom Hero: Wendy West, Country Montessori School

Wendy West has been teaching children ages three to six in her "Bumblebee" classroom at County Montessori School in Poway for over 30 years. In addition to shaping young minds, Ms. West does a great deal for the school and the community: she leads the school partnership with Feeding San Diego, runs County Montessori's "Adventure Camp" that teaches life skills through unforgettable experiences and volunteers with the Challenged Athletes Foundation to help athletes with physical difficulties. Thank you for making a difference in these "bumblebees," Ms. West!

November 2024 Classroom Hero: Chris Stanley, Carlton Hills School

Chris Stanley teaches 7th grade history and language arts at Carlton Hills School in Santee. In addition to teaching history and language arts, Mr. Stanley makes an effort to give his students an opportunity to do something they wouldn't normally have access to: fishing. Mr. Stanley takes his students to Lake Cuyamaca, where he turns fishing into an underwater wildlife lesson. This year, Mr. Stanley will be taking 5,000 students fishing. We appreciate you, Mr. Stanley!

October 2024 Classroom Hero: Brady Stout, San Marcos High School

Brady Stout is a sculpture ceramics teacher at San Marcos High School. For the past 26 years, Mr. Stout's classroom has provided a place for his students to express their emotions and creativity through art. He sees his students and every single piece of pottery as a "work in progress," and gives his students the opportunity to use their art for good by creating and selling ceramic bowls through the Empty Bowls Project, which has raised over $83,000 for local charities fighting hunger. Thanks for making a difference, Mr. Stout!

September 2024 Classroom Hero: Lisa Bechtold, Vista High School

Linda Bechtold is a chemistry teacher and has been teaching at Vista High School for 17 years. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Ms. Bechtold's disability does not hold her back from being the best teacher she can be. This perseverance and independence shows students and peers alike that having a disability will not hinder you from living a normal, independent life. Thank you for all that you do, Ms. Bechtold!