A teacher specializing in forensic science in California is stepping into the limelight, capturing attention far beyond her classroom walls.

Erin Andrade, who instructs students in forensic research and biotechnology at the Center for Advanced Research and Technology in Clovis, has earned a distinguished accolade. She is one of just five educators across the nation to be honored with the prestigious Crystal Apple Award. This award celebrates educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication and are recognized as “truly outstanding” in their teaching roles.

Presented by School Specialty, the Crystal Apple Award acknowledges educators for their “inspiration, leadership, and passion,” positioning Andrade among the “gold standard” of teachers in 2026.

Her selection, from a pool of hundreds of nominations nationwide, highlights the growing interest in experiential, career-oriented educational programs like the one she spearheads in the Central Valley.

Andrade describes how her students engage with practical forensic techniques, saying, “Some days, they walk into a classroom transformed into a large-scale crime scene where they’re tasked with conducting investigations; other days, we’re delving into DNA evidence analysis.”

Both alumni and parents of current students agree that her recognition is well-deserved and hardly unexpected.

“Omg she was my teacher at Cart,” Breana Josiah Paris wrote on Facebook. “I love her she has always been so good to her students.”

“Great teacher,” Daniel Garcia added. “She had a lot of patience with me.”

“She was absolutely fantastic,” one former pupil who took her criminal forensics class raved online, calling the win “well deserved.”

A parent of two of Andrade’s students said, “There are very few people like her in our educational system. She’s definitely one of a kind!”

Along with bragging rights, Andrade will receive a personalized Crystal Apple trophy, a $500 certificate for classroom supplies, and an additional $250 to support school resources.

The honor highlights a growing emphasis on STEM and career-readiness programs in California schools, where educators like Andrade are blending textbook learning with real world skills, keeping students engaged every step of the way.

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