BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — One Bakersfield elementary school teacher is raking in some extra credit!

Fletcher Elementary’s April Raguindin is one of California’s Teachers of the Year. She was chosen to represent our state for the National Teacher of the Year competition.

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Raguindin has been an educator for two decades, but her love for learning grew when the roles were reversed.

“When I was younger, I went to a lot of different elementary schools, and school was really my safe place,” said Raguindin. “Like, that was where I felt like I belonged.

“And so going to that many schools, I really understood what it meant to walk into a classroom and have needs that may not be seen, but then the teacher being able to be like, ‘Oh, you need glasses,’ or, ‘Here’s a warm space to be,’ or, ‘Yeah, you can hang out in the library and read all lunch hour because you don’t have any friends.’ You know what I mean? Like, it’s people in the school system are so important.”

Raguindin teaches first grade at Fletcher Elementary in east Bakersfield, a part of Bakersfield City School District.

Afterschool offers a popular program in the “Edible Schoolyard,” which teaches students how to garden and make their own balanced plate.

Hands-on learning is her hands-down favorite style.

“Learning shouldn’t be quiet. Learning is not a worksheet. Learning is not sitting quietly and listening to the teacher,” said Raguindin.

“Learning is collaborative. Learning is talking and doing and experimenting and finding what they love, because if they can find what they love and their passion. Then sooner or later, they’re gonna that will be their career.”

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One year ago, Raguindin’s name was thrown in the hat for the California’s Teacher of the Year competition.

To no surprise to her nominators, she was selected as one of the five winners.

Out of the five recipients, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond selected Bakersfield’s own to represent California in the national title competition, joining the national cohort of 2026 exceptional educators.

“I’ve been able to go to the state level and really see kind of how legislation works, and the pathways that you know bills are taking in education to get where they’re going,” said Raguindin. “I get to meet so many cool teachers, and I get to talk to them about their best practices, and I get to share about Fletcher’s best practices. So it’s really a fun community to be a part of.”

Thurmond said the teachers of the year “represent the very best of our public schools.” And if you don’t believe him, take it from her students.

“My favorite thing about her is she’s just so kind, and she’s just the best teacher,” said Audrina.

“She teaches us stuff and she makes things fun, even when they’re not. Every time!” Tony said.

“I love my teacher so much. I wish I could live with her,” said Emily.

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Raguindin said she never thought 20 years ago, she’d be grading above the rest. In school, she teaches kids reading and math. In life, April’s story is a lesson in dedication.

“Educators are rock stars and they are the backbone of our society. They’re what we bring kids up, and it’s a happy, fun, exciting career”

“I’m looking forward to being just a positive light in the world of education.”

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