John Postovit, teacher at Scotts Valley High School, and Minc Robinson Brooker, education specialist at Pajaro Valley High School, share the 2025 Santa Cruz County Educator of the Year Award..
Their work exemplifies the values of equity, service, and excellence.
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John Postovit began his teaching career in 1992 following work in the night vision goggle industry. Over the years, he has taught physics and every level of high school math, from pre-algebra to calculus and differential equations, in King City, Carmel, and Scotts Valley.
He has been a faculty member at Scotts Valley High School since 2009, where he currently teaches two levels of physics and International Baccalaureate Math Higher Level.
He also serves as the school’s IB Coordinator and WASC Accreditation Coordinator.
His contributions have been recognized with several honors, including the 2014 IB Educator of the Year for California and Nevada, 2015 California League of High Schools Educator of the Year, and 2016 Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year.
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Minc Robinson Brooker has more than 30 years of experience and impact in education, including 18 years as a classroom teacher. Minc has served students and colleagues across six school districts in a wide range of roles, from paraeducator and crossing guard to union site rep and negotiator. She’s worked with organizations including NASA and Professional Tutors of America, and has been honored by NASA, the Solano County Black Chamber of Commerce, and Sonoma State University for her contributions to education.
At Pajaro Valley High, Minc serves as the school’s first Black Student Union advisor and helped lead its 2nd annual Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, joining students, colleagues, families, and community members in celebration.
In the classroom, her “Brilliant Scholars” thrive through creative, identity-affirming projects that encourage self-advocacy and discovery. Known for her warmth, humor, and love of cats, Minc builds lasting connections with students and uplifts colleagues across her campus.
Minc believes deeply in the role of teachers as connectors—between students and administrators, students and families, and students and the community. She considers it an immense honor to serve in this profession and celebrates the many educators who have supported her journey along the way.
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Other Awards
- Classified Employee of the Year: Jessica Serna Castaneda, Parent/Community Support Coordinator, Santa Cruz City Schools
- Counselor of the Year: Sylvia Alba, Counselor, Watsonville High School (Pajaro Valley USD)
- Administrator of the Year: Amy Hedrick-Farr, Food and Nutrition Director, Santa Cruz City Schools
- Community Partner of the Year: X Academy
Dr. Faris Sabbah, County Superintendent of Schools, congratulated each of the honorees, saying they represent the heart of public education in Santa Cruz County.
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To learn more about the honorees and their impact on students, visit sccoe.link/educatorsoftheyear.
