On Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) recognized two remarkable early childhood educators for their dedication to serving our community’s youngest learners and their families.

LACOE presented the 11th Annual Golden Apple Awards to Early Head Start teacher Anthony Marroquin from Garvey School District and Head Start Preschool teacher Elsa Guerrero from Mountain View School District. Both have gone above and beyond to engage families and children, create meaningful interactions and excel in teaching and leadership. 

Anthony Marroquin, an Early Head Start teacher at the Marshall Early Education Center, is a 25-year veteran of Garvey School District’s child development program. Anthony served as a teacher assistant in the Head Start Preschool program for more than two decades before being promoted to Early Head Start Teacher last year. Known for his expertise with dual language learners and children with diverse needs, Anthony also excels in classroom management and engages students with his passion for music, often playing his guitar. Outside the classroom, he is highly regarded by peers and contributes significantly to the school readiness committee, developing activities to support school readiness goals for all children.

“I feel very blessed to be recognized by my supervisors and directors for doing a good job in a career that I love,” said Anthony Marroquin. 

Elsa Guerrero is a Head Start Preschool teacher at Cogswell Elementary in Mountain View School District. Elsa began her early learning journey with Mountain View Head Start as an instructional assistant 30 years ago last month. She earned her Teacher Permit in 2006, followed by a bachelor's in Urban Learning from Cal State LA in 2014. In her classroom, Elsa creates a rich, active environment for families and supports dual language learners using Sobrato Early Academic Literacy (SEAL) strategies. She also volunteers to present Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) strategies to peers and assists substitute teachers to ensure children always have the best experience possible.

“It’s such an honor and something so unexpected to receive this award. I am so passionate about teaching. It’s humbling and rewarding to be one of this year’s Golden Apple Award recipients,” said Elsa Guerrero. 

“Today, we honored two exceptional educators whose dedication and passion have profoundly impacted the lives of countless children. The work they do each day helps to close the opportunity gap to give all children a chance to succeed in school and in life. Their unwavering commitment to education and their communities exemplifies the true spirit of the Golden Apple Award,” said Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Debra Duardo.

LACOE awarded both teachers with $500 in classroom supplies from Lakeshore Learning, who also presented both recipients with gift baskets and gift cards. Each year, teachers are selected based on their ability to implement curriculum, provide exemplary adult-child interactions, demonstrate creativity in the classroom and show continuously improving practices to be a model for others. 

“One of the ways we can give back to our educators is to recognize the amazing contributions and hardwork these teachers give to our infant, toddler and preschool-aged children. They represent the dedicated and knowledge-filled workforce that we want to have for Los Angeles County,” Luis Bautista, Executive Director, LACOE's Head Start and Early Learning Division.