Wendy Saldivar began shaping her teaching philosophy at Cal State Fullerton, where she learned that “every student is unique in their approach to education.”
Today, the Titan alum employs that philosophy in her own classroom. As a fifth-grade teacher in Loara Elementary School’s Spanish Dual Language Immersion program, she empowers students to use their voices and embrace their individual learning styles.
For her leadership accomplishments and commitment to student success, Saldivar was one of six educators recognized by the Orange County Department of Education with a 2027 Orange County Teacher of the Year award.
Before she became a teacher, Saldivar worked as a 911 operator. The service-focused role changed her perspective and put her on a path to a career in education.
“It was meaningful work, but it led me to an important realization: If I truly want to change the world, I must begin earlier in impacting our population. We must invest in children and help them recognize their potential,” said Saldivar, who completed the multiple subject credential program at Cal State Fullerton and now boasts 12 years of experience in education.
Saldivar chose CSUF for her teaching credential because of its well-known education programs and its reputation for training innovative leaders who launch their careers in Southern California.
CSUF College of Education students complete approximately 500 teaching credentials each year. Titan alumni go on to serve Orange County’s education workforce as teachers and administrators in local school districts, including Orange Unified School District, Anaheim Elementary School District, Fullerton School District and Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District.
“Our programs equip future elementary teachers with a strong foundation in evidence-based instruction, inclusive practices and effective classroom management, preparing them to lead with confidence from day one,” said Michelle Brye, chair and professor of elementary and bilingual education. “We are especially proud to celebrate a program alum who has been named a 2027 Orange County Teacher of the Year. It’s a powerful testament to the excellence and impact of our graduates.”
Saldivar noted that what sets CSUF apart from other institutions is its accomplished faculty who value the connection between creativity and education. She credits her professors for teaching her how to design lessons that ensure outside-the-box thinking.
“My professors emphasized that learning isn’t just about getting the correct answer as quickly as possible. It’s a creative process, and we need to create opportunities for students to challenge themselves and apply concepts in unique ways,” Saldivar said.
She has carried that lesson into her classroom. Saldivar’s students make art, build 3D animal models to learn about ecosystems, and use dry-erase boards and markers to solve complex math problems.
“There is something incredibly powerful about watching a student gain confidence, take a risk, advocate for themselves and realize they are capable of more than they imagined. Those moments remind me why I became a teacher.”
Saldivar also completed CSUF’s Bilingual Authorization Program to teach Spanish, which prepared her to serve students in the Spanish Dual Language Immersion program. She teaches a Spanish language development class and hosts cultural exploration activities, where she invites students to share their cultural experiences and celebrate their identities through education.
“It’s about creating access for students. I want to help as many students from as many communities as I can,” Saldivar said. “My goal is to challenge students, support them and make them proud of their identities, so that they leave my classroom academically prepared and confident in who they are.”