Saratoga High Special Education Teachers Honored by Special Olympics Northern California

Two Saratoga High School teachers have earned statewide recognition for their exceptional work with special education students, according to Special Olympics Northern California.

Sara Buffey and Christine Carlos Quiggins, both Community-Based Instruction teachers at the school, received the Fall Semester 2025 Teachers of the Season award from the organization. The recognition honors educators who demonstrate exemplary commitment to their students, their schools and the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools Partnership Program, according to the organization.

Special Olympics Northern California accepts nominations each semester to celebrate educators who go above and beyond to foster meaningful inclusion and engagement on their campuses, the organization stated.

Buffey, a special education teacher, is described by the organization as energetic and dedicated, bringing enthusiasm and creativity to every lesson. She actively supports student participation in Special Olympics goals while teaching teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship, according to the recognition announcement.

Quiggins serves as a Community-Based Instruction teacher who connects special education classroom learning to real-world experiences, the organization noted. She integrates academics, social skills, vocational readiness and self-advocacy into her program and supports student involvement in Special Olympics goals, according to the announcement.

Both teachers’ nominations will advance to the 2025 Person of the Year selection process in the Educator category, Special Olympics Northern California confirmed.

The Community-Based Instruction program at Saratoga High School focuses on preparing special education students for post-graduation life by connecting classroom learning with practical, real-world applications. The program emphasizes developing life skills, job readiness and social competencies that students can use beyond their school years.

The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools Partnership Program works to create inclusive school communities where students with and without intellectual disabilities can participate together in sports, leadership opportunities and whole-school engagement activities. The program operates in schools across California and nationwide.

This recognition highlights Saratoga High School’s commitment to special education and inclusive programming. The school’s participation in Special Olympics activities provides students with intellectual disabilities opportunities to develop athletic skills, build confidence and form friendships with peers.

The Teachers of the Season awards represent part of Special Olympics Northern California’s broader effort to recognize educators who make significant impacts on students with intellectual disabilities. The organization serves thousands of athletes across Northern California through year-round sports training and competition programs.

For Saratoga High School, having two teachers recognized simultaneously demonstrates the strength of the school’s special education department and its integration with community partnerships. The recognition comes as schools across the Bay Area continue to expand inclusive programming and community-based learning opportunities for students with disabilities.

The advancement of both nominations to the statewide Person of the Year selection process provides additional recognition for the teachers’ work and brings attention to Saratoga High School’s special education programs at the state level.

Special Olympics Northern California’s Teacher of the Season program continues to accept nominations each semester, encouraging schools throughout the region to nominate educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusive education and student development.

The recognition of Buffey and Quiggins reflects the ongoing partnership between Saratoga High School and Special Olympics Northern California, which provides students with intellectual disabilities access to athletic competition, skill development and community engagement opportunities throughout the school year.