A former San Diego County Teacher of the Year was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison Friday after pleading guilty to sexually abusing two of her sixth-grade students, concluding a case that shocked the National City community.
Jacqueline Ma, 36, broke down in tears during her sentencing hearing at Chula Vista Superior Court as she admitted to grooming and maintaining sexual relationships with the young boys who had been in her care at Lincoln Acres Elementary School.
Award-Winning Teacher’s Fall From Grace
Ma, who had been named one of San Diego County’s Teachers of the Year in August 2022, issued a tearful apology in court, acknowledging the gravity of her crimes. “I am deeply ashamed of my actions,” Ma told the court, admitting that she had “manipulated” and “deceived” the children entrusted to her care, according to NBC San Diego .
The disgraced educator had taught fifth and sixth grades in the National School District since 2013 before her arrest in March 2023, just seven months after receiving the prestigious teaching award…