Exciting news! On June 30, AVUHSD received the 2026 Distinguished District Award from the International Society for Transforming Education (ISTE)! The ISTE+ASCD organization helps educators align instructional strategy, technology, and teaching practice to improve learning for every student. This award honors school districts that demonstrate effectiveness and innovation in using technology to improve student outcomes and engagement. 

Through our Antelope Valley Teacher Induction (AVTI) program, our educators learn how to apply new ideas in their classrooms, making inquiry the focus of their professional development. Congratulations to the amazing individuals who support AVTI and help our teachers meet the diverse learning needs of our students: Superintendent Greg Nehen; Loy Dakwa, Ed.D., Professional Development Coordinator; David Rivas, Teacher Induction Mentor; Ben Jefferson, Teacher Induction Mentor; Cami Hernandez, Teacher Induction Mentor; and Cara McKnight, Teacher Induction Mentor.

Read an excerpt about AVUHSD from ISTE+ASCD’s press release of their 2026 honorees:

“ISTE+ASCD Distinguished District Award
This award honors school districts that demonstrate effectiveness and innovation in using technology to improve student outcomes and engagement. The 2026 recipients include:

• Antelope Valley Union High School District (Lancaster, CA): Greg Nehen, Superintendent; Loy Dakwa, Ed.D., Professional Development Coordinator; David Rivas, Teacher Induction Mentor; Ben Jefferson, Teacher Induction Mentor; Cami Hernandez, Teacher Induction Mentor; and Cara McKnight, Teacher Induction Mentor. Serving approximately 22,000 students across urban, suburban, and rural communities, Antelope Valley Union High School District is united in providing equitable learning opportunities for all students. The districts’ vision is to ensure that the diverse learning needs of all students are met from caring, professional educators who make inquiry the focus of their professional development.”