Meet San Juan Unified’s 2025 Teacher of the Year: Melissa Oates

Teachers are a driving force behind a student’s progress in school. The education, mentorship and care teachers provide are invaluable aspects of a student’s journey, ultimately empowering them to reach that next level.

For Dyer-Kelly Elementary School third-grade teacher, Melissa Oates, these values are amplified by the relationships she builds with her students and school community. Her presence at Dyer-Kelly is widespread and felt on a deep level by staff, students and families. This is one of the many reasons she has been chosen as San Juan Unified School District’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.

“Every morning, Melissa greets over 700 students at Dyer-Kelly Elementary School with a warm and welcoming smile,” said Dyer-Kelly Principal Jamal Hicks. “This daily ritual sets a positive tone and shows her commitment to ensuring every student feels seen and valued.”

Oates’s impactful career at San Juan Unified began in 2001 when she was hired as a substitute child development assistant. After working in a few other positions throughout the district, she eventually became a fourth and fifth-grade combination teacher at Dyer-Kelly in 2004. She then taught at Mariposa Avenue Elementary School from 2008-10 before returning to Dyer-Kelly in 2011. 

“My favorite aspect about teaching is a combination of helping students foster a love for learning as well as supporting students with their emotional and social growth,” Oates said. “Being able to encourage a sense of wonder and curiosity, assist my students learn how to interact positively with their peers, develop empathy and build friendships that can last a lifetime is incredibly rewarding.”

Oates’s journey at San Juan Unified began even before her career started. She is a proud alumna of Thomas Kelly Elementary School, John Barrett Middle School and Del Campo High School. It was here at San Juan Unified where she discovered a passion for teaching and connecting with students. One of her elementary school teachers, Mr. Brown, was a standout teacher and mentor in her life who shaped her confidence and love for learning.

“I was a struggling student in elementary school and having a teacher that believed in me and saw my potential was life-changing,” said Oates. “I want to be that person for a student.”

In her classroom, Oates begins each day with a morning meeting that allows her to check in with each student, understand how they are doing and set clear expectations for the day. 

“Through these meetings, students see that she cares deeply for their well-being, and they feel motivated to meet the high standards she sets for them. Melissa never lowers her expectations - instead, she inspires her students to rise to the challenge, and they consistently do,” said Principal Hicks.

The care and compassion that Oates has for her students extends beyond the classroom. She consistently seeks out opportunities to amplify her students' voices and ensure they have access to reading materials to ensure academic and personal growth.

Oates is one of many incredible teachers at San Juan Unified. Her commitment to her students and school community is felt now, and will surely continue for years to come.

“I feel incredibly humbled and honored to be nominated as San Juan Unified’s 2025 Teacher of the Year,” said Oates. “You don’t go into the teaching profession for accolades. I’m excited that Dyer-Kelly Elementary School and all the amazing work that our staff do will be highlighted.”

The recognition does not end here for Oates, as she will be competing for the Sacramento County Teacher of the Year Award hosted by the Sacramento County Office of Education. San Juan Unified wishes her the best of luck in representing the district at the county level!