Up Front: Accolades
Alumna Heather Povinelli (’22, doctorate in educational leadership) has been named a 2026 California Teacher of the Year.
Povinelli, a second-grade teacher at Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy in Monrovia, earned district and Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year honors in 2025, and now is one of just five teachers recognized at the state level.
Povinelli had early dreams of becoming a teacher but feared her dwarfism might be a hindrance. After observing a teacher friend who also has dwarfism in the classroom, Povinelli had renewed confidence and opted to pursue a career in education. She has spent her 25-year career at Broadoaks.
“I feel honored,” she says of the recognition. “I know after feeling this good feeling, all teachers need an opportunity to feel appreciated.”
Read more about alumna Heather Povinelli
on CPP News.