Monika Heidi Duque, a first-grade teacher at Rosewood STEM Magnet, Urban Planning and Urban Design, was a finalist in the 2026 California Teachers of the Year program. (photo by Edwin Folven)

California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced five exceptional educators as the 2026 California Teachers of the Year. The honorees are April Raguindin, a first-grade teacher at Dr. Douglas K. Fletcher Elementary School in Bakersfield; Rene Romero, an 11th- and 12th-grade international baccalaureate language and literature teacher at South Hills High School in Covina; Chrizia Dela Rosa, a ninth-grade mathematics teacher at East Side Union High School in Santa Clara County; Heather Povinelli, a second-grade teacher at Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy in Monrovia; and Corina Martinez, a kindergarten teacher at Pioneer Elementary School in the Escondido.

The runners-up are Monika Heidi Duque, a first-grade multiple subject teacher at the LAUSD’s Rosewood STEM Magnet, Urban Planning and Urban Design in West Hollywood; Dallana Gomez, a high school culinary arts teacher at Calipatria High School in Imperial County; Gregory Hinchliff, a Spanish, English, social studies, Native American Studies and speech and debate teacher at Bonsall High School in San Diego County; and Maddie Hutchinson, a high school English teacher at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach.

Thurmond praised the outstanding educators and highlighted their passion, creativity and commitment to inspiring students.

“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,” Thurmond said.

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 outstanding teachers and encourage new teachers to enter the profession. County offices of education nominate applicants and CDE selection committees review applications, evaluate teachers’ rapport with students, classroom environments, presentation skills and teaching techniques, and interview the teachers. The state superintendent of public instruction selects the California Teachers of the Year.

For information, visit cde.ca.gov/ ta/sr/ct.