The 5 Best Teachers Around Truckee/North Lake Tahoe Region

According to the National Education Association, the average teacher impacts the lives of more than 3,000 students over the course of their career. In communities like North Lake Tahoe and Truckee, where school pride runs deep and education is tightly woven into local identity, teachers often do more than just teach — they mentor, inspire and often shape the trajectory of entire families. From high school science labs to elementary reading circles, the classroom is a stage where local educators show up every day with purpose. Behind every well-prepared student, there's a teacher who stayed late, who believed more, who noticed something others missed. Here, the three finalists for best teacher in the Best of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee.

Scott Everist – North Tahoe High School

At North Tahoe High School, Scott Everist is known for much more than test scores or syllabi. As an educator with a clear passion for developing well-rounded students, he brings energy to the classroom that reflects both academic discipline and community connection. The school's approach is centered around preparing students for college and career readiness, but what sets educators like Everist apart is their ability to personalize that journey. North Tahoe High’s small-school environment allows for meaningful teacher-student relationships, and Everist takes full advantage of that scale — encouraging students to think critically, push boundaries and engage with the world beyond the classroom walls. He’s not just teaching content; he’s helping students find their voice in it.

Jesse Steele – Truckee High School

Jesse Steele brings a distinct mix of dedication and dynamism to Truckee High School, where teaching is about cultivating thinkers who can tackle both academic challenges and real-world complexity. With a focus on equity and excellence, Truckee High emphasizes inclusive education, and Steele’s role fits squarely within that mission. His work reflects the school’s commitment to preparing students for both higher education and the broader responsibilities of citizenship. Whether leading a classroom discussion or mentoring through extracurriculars, Steele’s teaching goes beyond curriculum. He’s part of the cultural fabric of the school — a figure students remember long after the final bell.

Judi Scoville – Tahoe Lake Elementary School

At Tahoe Lake Elementary, Judi Scoville brings warmth, intention and experience to early education—where foundational learning takes root. The school emphasizes connection to the natural world and a strong sense of community, both of which are reflected in Scoville’s approach. With a teaching style that supports inquiry and nurtures young curiosity, she sets the tone for students’ lifelong relationships with learning. In a region where the outdoors are an extension of the classroom, Scoville helps her students see themselves as both learners and explorers. Her work in the elementary grades is vital: she’s shaping not only how kids read and write, but how they view themselves in the world.

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