Cypress College’s Teacher of the Year Nominee is Biology instructor Francisco Perez. Perez was the selection of a student committee following student nominations and a review process.
He now represents Cypress College in the Orange County Teacher of the Year process through the Orange County Department of Education. Perez has been a full-time instructor in the Science, Engineering, and Math Division since fall 2022 an served as an adjunct in the division since spring 2019. He was also a professional expert in the Learning Resource Center with the Supplemental Instruction Program from August 2013 until he was hired as an adjunct.
“As a teacher, I get to change lives,” he said. “Every day, I get the opportunity to be accepted into somebody’s life and guide them in their academic journey. Teaching is an experience that makes me appreciate who I am and what I have.”
Perez teaches medical microbiology and human physiology. He has been a mentor in both the Legacy and Puente programs, a member of the Cypress College Foundation Scholarship Committee, and a participant in the North Orange County Community College District Leadership Academy.
“Because of his encouragement, I became an SI leader for his Physiology class in Spring 2023, which was one of the most rewarding experiences of my time at Cypress College,” said alumnus Krystofer Angelo Bagunu, who is now attending San Diego State University. “I was nervous about stepping into a leadership role, but Professor Perez mentored me every step of the way. He gave me advice on how to engage students, break down tough topics, and build confidence in my ability to teach others. That experience helped me grow not just academically, but personally.”