Steven Krebs, an English and AVID teacher at Dixon High School, was named the 2025 Educator of the Year during the Celebrate Dixon event on March 14, recognizing more than two decades of work in the classroom. Photo courtesy of Steven Krebs

DIXON, CA (MPG) — Steven Krebs, an English and AVID teacher at Dixon High School, was named the 2025 Educator of the Year during the Celebrate Dixon event on March 14, recognizing more than two decades of work in the classroom.

Krebs said he was caught off guard when he learned of the honor.

“I was surprised and humbled that I was chosen,” he said. “I have been a teacher since January 2000, and I've worked hard every year to improve my teaching. I'm nearing the end of my career and hadn't given the award much thought lately, so I was shocked when I was told.”

The recognition, awarded by the Dixon Unified School District, represents what Krebs described as a culmination of his career.

“It feels like a nice capstone to my career,” he said.

Krebs did not initially plan to become a teacher. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from California State University, Chico, and worked in financial planning before changing direction.

“There was always a part of me that was unfulfilled,” said Krebs.

After relocating to Seattle with his wife, Lisa Krebs, who had recently become a teacher at the time, Krebs began tutoring students in an after-school program. The experience led him to pursue a career in education. He returned to school, earning a degree in English from the University of Washington, followed by a teaching credential.

At Dixon High School, Krebs has taught primarily English courses and later expanded into AVID, a college readiness program focused on preparing students for higher education.

“I like to try new things,” said Krebs. “It has been a great experience working with the AVID population.”

In the classroom, Krebs emphasizes relationship-building and collaboration as key components of student engagement.

“I try to develop relationships individually and with the class as a whole,” said Krebs. “If students feel positive about walking into D-106 every day, they will be more willing to work, even if English isn't their favorite subject.”

Students are placed in groups from the first day, an approach Krebs said encourages communication and shared responsibility.

As an AVID teacher, Krebs focuses on the program’s core principles of Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization and Reading, often referred to as WICOR. He also highlighted the importance of student-led tutorials in an AVID classroom.

“The biggest part of AVID is the tutorial process,” said Krebs. “Students then work collaboratively, using questioning and resources in a Socratic style format.”

One moment that stands out in Krebs’ career came years after a classroom lesson on migrant labor and immigration. A former student contacted him a decade later to say the lesson had helped them better understand their family’s experiences.

“We do have impact beyond the vocabulary, and the essay structure, and developing the argument,” said Krebs. “And we don't always know it.”

According to Krebs, he has spent his entire teaching career at Dixon High School, where he first arrived as a student teacher more than 25 years ago. He said the school’s culture has played a significant role in shaping his approach.

“We have a great group of educators who are always willing to share success stories and strategies,” he said, adding that the environment emphasizes empathy and support for students.

For new teachers entering the profession, Krebs emphasized the importance of building relationships in addition to delivering curriculum.

“Kids want structure, they want to feel welcome and they want to feel engaged in the material,” he said. “Relationships are key and must be developed starting on Day 1.”

Looking ahead, Krebs said his goals remain consistent: to help students become stronger readers, writers and critical thinkers while developing leadership skills. Professionally, he plans to continue refining his curriculum each year.

Krebs also credited his wife, Lisa Krebs, for her support throughout his career.

“She’s been a rock in my life both professionally and personally,” said Krebs.