Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District announced today that two Saratoga High School Community-Based Instruction (CBI) teachers, Sara Buffey and Christine Carlos Quiggins, have each been recognized as Fall Semester 2025 “Teachers of the Season” by Special Olympics Northern California.
The recognition honors educators who demonstrate exemplary commitment to their students, their schools and the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools Partnership Program. Nominations are submitted each semester, celebrating educators who go above and beyond to foster meaningful inclusion and engagement on their campuses.
Both Sara and Christine were nominated for their dedication to students and their leadership in advancing inclusive practices at Saratoga High.
Sara Buffey was described as an energetic and dedicated special education teacher who brings enthusiasm and creativity to every lesson—someone who builds strong, supportive relationships with her students, tailoring instruction to their individual strengths and needs while fostering independence and confidence.
“Sara seamlessly integrates functional academics, social skills, and vocational readiness into real-world experiences through meaningful community-based instruction,” the District said in a release. “She actively supports student participation in Special Olympics goals, teaching teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship.”
According to a District spokesperson, Sara empowers her students to grow, achieve, and engage fully in their communities, through organized, student-centered outings and strong collaboration with families, staff and community partners.
Christine Carlos Quiggins has been recognized as an outstanding CBI teacher who connects classroom learning to real-world experiences with excellence in special education.
“She builds trusting relationships with students through patience, consistency and care, ensuring they feel safe, valued and capable,” the release states. “Christine carefully aligns instruction to individual IEP (Individualized Education Plan) goals, breaking life skills into manageable steps that foster independence and confidence.”
She is known for integrating academics, social skills, vocational readiness and self-advocacy into her program and supports student involvement in Special Olympics goals, emphasizing teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship.
“Through organized, student-centered outings and strong collaboration with families, staff, coaches, and community partners, Christine empowers students to engage fully in their communities with dignity and confidence,” the release states.
Both Sara’s and Christine’s nominations will also be advanced to the 2025 Person of the Year selection process in the Educator category.
“Sara and Christine’s work is deeply personal to me,” shared Superintendent Heath Rocha. “Having worked in special education for decades, I know firsthand the expertise, patience, and heart it takes to do this work well. What they are doing through community-based instruction and unified programming is transformative. They are not only building skills; they are building confidence, independence, and belonging for our students.”
