Hemet Unified School District (HUSD) is proud to celebrate Samia Muhareb, a teacher at Rancho Viejo Middle School, who has been recognized as the 2026 Outstanding Middle School Social Studies Teacher of the Year (grades 6-8) by the California Council for the Social Studies. Ms. Muhareb received this prestigious statewide recognition during the organization’s annual conference held this past weekend in Orange County, where educators from across California gathered to share best practices and celebrate excellence in social studies education.
The California Council for the Social Studies recognizes educators whose classroom instruction and professional practices exemplify the goals of outstanding social studies education, including fostering critical thinking, civic understanding, and meaningful engagement with history and current events.
As the History Department Chair at Rancho Viejo Middle School, Ms. Muhareb plays an important leadership role in supporting both students and colleagues. She is known for her dedication to high-quality instruction and for her commitment to helping students develop a deeper understanding of history and the world around them. In her leadership role, she also supports collaboration amongst colleagues and helps guide instructional efforts within the school’s History Department.
Rancho Viejo Principal William Prudhomme shared, “Samia Muhareb is a hardworking and dedicated teacher who consistently goes above and beyond for her students and colleagues. Although she holds a formal leadership title as department chair, she naturally leads through her professionalism, collaboration, and commitment to excellence. Her positive influence and willingness to support others have earned her the respect and admiration of both staff and students.”
Her recognition is just one more example of the outstanding work taking place every day in Hemet Unified classrooms and the dedication of educators who inspire students to explore history, develop critical perspectives, and participate meaningfully in their communities.
HUSD extends a heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Muhareb on this well-deserved recognition and is grateful to her for the lasting impact she continues to make on her students, colleagues, and the Rancho Viejo school community.