FIVE OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS from across the state — all CTA members — were named the 2026 California Teachers of the Year in October.
In a statement announcing the news, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond praised the hardworking educators and highlighted their passion, creativity and commitment to inspiring students every day.
“These extraordinary educators represent the very best of our public schools and remind us that great teaching can change lives and strengthen entire school communities,” said Thurmond.
The five will serve as ambassadors for the profession and representatives of the state for the calendar year.
The 2026 California Teachers of the Year
April Raguindin
BAKERSFIELD ELEMENTARY TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
first grade teacher at Dr. Douglas K. Fletcher Elementary in Kern County
As a dedicated teacher, Raguindin became certified as a reading interventionist to give her students the best possible literacy instruction during the school day. She is also active in after school programs, including teaching gardening and cooking, and builds upon the resources of an Edible Schoolyard program that she helped to establish.
Thurmond nominated Raguindin as California’s representative for the National Teacher of the Year competition. She will compete against other state nominees, and the 2026 National Teacher of the Year will be announced in the spring.
Rene Romero
COVINA UNIFIED EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
International Baccalaureate Language and Literature teacher at South Hills High School in Los Angeles County
Romero uses his own background as an English Learner from East LA to make sure that his classroom is an inclusive and supportive environment. As an IB teacher, he supports students to make meaning out of advanced and complex texts, and ensures that every child feels supported to take on new challenges, develop their voice, and thrive.
Chrizia Dela Rosa
EAST SIDE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
ninth-grade mathematics teacher at Piedmont Hills High School in Santa Clara County
Teacher and volleyball coach Dela Rosa is passionate about knowing and including every child. She creates a classroom culture in which students understand that they need practice to build their math muscles just like they practice to build skill on the court. She uses data analysis to learn from constantly evolving data sets of student feedback.
Dr. Heather Povinelli
MONROVIA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
second grade teacher at Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy in Los Angeles County
Povinelli is inspired by seeing her students learn to exceed their own expectations of themselves. As someone who has dwarfism, she uses her disability to teach students about inclusion, equity and belief in oneself. Through her doctoral research, Povinelli has highlighted strategies and practices used by dwarf teachers that can be applied by any teacher to more effectively reach every child.
Corina Martinez
ESCONDIDO ELEMENTARY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
kindergarten teacher at Pioneer Elementary School in San Diego County
Martinez is driven to support her students’ learning and to make sure they have every support they need to thrive. She has worked with community organizations at her school site to build out programs that support students’ social-emotional learning and partnership with families, and is tackling chronic absenteeism by creating real solutions for families.
Presented by the California Department of Education and supported by the California Teachers of the Year Foundation, the California Teachers of the Year Program began in 1972 to honor standout teachers and encourage and inspire new teachers to enter the profession.
For more information on the awards program, visit the CDE California Teachers of the Year web page at cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/ct/.
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