Ask any Costa student who their favorite teacher is, and there’s a pretty high chance you’ll hear “Ms. Hutchinson.” Now, the rest of Los Angeles County knows the woman who is making an impact at Costa.
When English teacher Maddie Hutchinson learned she was named one of LA Counties Top 16 Teachers of the Year for 2025, she was stunned and deeply moved.
“It’s a big deal,” said Hutchinson. “I feel super honored. It’s gratifying and it just tells me that the work is worth it– that whatever I’m doing is working”.
Hutchinson has been teaching in the English department at Mira Costa High School for the past 11 years. She runs Link Crew, advises the ComedySportz team, and supports Drama Tech productions. She also serves on the Ethnic Studies Committee. Her students say that her care and focus towards them is what makes her stand out so much. The love radiates through the classroom.
“I spend a lot of time in the trenches with my students,” Hutchinson said. “Whether I’m backstage of the musical, or working at the hometown fair with Link Crew, I have a lot of time outside of the structured class to get to know them. I also just deeply, deeply care about their individual identities, beyond who they are as students.”
Another reason why Hutchinson’s students adore her is the emphasis she puts on making her room an enjoyable and fun space. With her class covered in lights and posters, combined with her colorful beanbags and couches, her room is a comfortable place for students to hang out in at lunch and office hours.
“Everyone in her class feels like family,” said senior Mckenzie Martin.
As a proud MBUSD representative, Hutchinson was recognized at a ceremony surrounded by her family and district leaders, including principal Dr. Jennifer Huynh, superintendent Dr. John Bowes, and board vice president Tina Shivpuri.
“I just love this community,” said Hutchinson. “Being recognized for that makes me feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
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