April Raguindin, a first-grade teacher at Dr. Douglas K. Fletcher Elementary in the Bakersfield City School District, was named one of five winners of the 2026 California Teacher of the Year Award and will represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year competition. She blends literacy, social–emotional learning, and hands‑on exploration, while fostering strong student and family relationships through playful, community-based teaching strategies.
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Critical Teacher Autoethnography – New XChange Issue
This new XChange issue highlights the transformative journey of first-year teachers as they navigate the complexities of the classroom through autoethnographic reflections. By intertwining personal identity with pedagogical practice and educational theories, these educators critically examine their experiences, challenges, and growth in their first year of teaching.