Sue Lee teaches at John Muir Elementary in Merced and was nominated for teacher of the year by Rack Room Shoes.
The nominations were done through online voting and a social media campaign.
Once voting ended, Mister Lee was one of the five winners across the entire country.
Lee says the $10,000 will go toward IPads, Apple TVs and other tools to allow him to have an easier time while teaching and make sure his students have the newest equipment.