Three Finalists Named Kern County Teachers of the Year

Every year, dozens of Kern County educators rise through the ranks of their school and their district to be named Teacher of the Year, but only three become finalists to earn recognition from the state of California. The Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) office recognized all these outstanding individuals on Thursday evening at the annual Kern County Education Champions of the Year celebration at the Historic Bell Tower Plaza. There, KCSOS announced the three finalists for the prestigious 2026 Kern County Teacher of the Year award: Angel Rose Gabion, Edmund R. Maino, and Amanda Meszaros.

“This night signifies the success of each member of the education community. Each person represents and does their part to make students feel welcomed, heard, and validated,” said Kern County Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Mendiburu. “Because of them, we see success and growth in the students we serve.”

Fifty-seven district Teachers of the Year from across the county faced a rigorous application and screening process where they answered questions about their teaching style, filmed short videos, and submitted letters of recommendation from colleagues and students. These submissions were vetted by the selection committee, which conducted site visits and evaluated the teachers’ best qualities and impact to select the three finalists. The trio is now eligible to apply for the California Teacher of the Year program.

In addition to the three Teacher of the Year finalists, nine outstanding Classified Employees of the Year were honored during the ceremony. Each of the 12 honorees received a $500 cash award, thanks to KCSOS’s partnership with Valley Strong Credit Union, which helped make the event possible. All the honorees also received a personalized, engraved award and a curated gift box.

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Angel Rose Gabion:  A Teacher’s Teacher Who Transforms Mentorship into Student Success

Angel Rose Gabion is described as a vivacious, inclusive, and determined gem of West High School. A Special Education teacher, co-teaching expert, and instructional coach with more than 24 years of experience, Gabion plays a central role in shaping student success and teacher development, not just on her own campus but across the Kern High School District.

“Staff wants to work with Angel because of her kindness, experience, ability, and heart for kids,” said West High Principal Stephen Granucci. “She is nothing short of amazing.”

Adriana Vasquez, a Teacher on Special Assignment and Co-Teaching with the Kern High School District, worked closely with Gabion on educator development, co-teaching practices, and special education initiatives. She says Gabion’s guidance and mentorship inspired her to pursue her current co-teaching role, and the success of their programs is a direct reflection of her hard work and determination.

“Her expertise and willingness to support others had a lasting impact on my professional development,” Vasquez said. “She values relationship-building and consistently creates learning environments that are accessible, equitable, and inclusive.”

A first-generation immigrant from the Philippines, Gabion draws on her personal journey to connect with students and advocate for equitable access to education. She establishes a rapport with students while maintaining high expectations, and creating systems that help students—especially those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)—thrive in and out of the classroom.

“Every student, no matter their background, ability, or learning style, deserves high-quality instruction and meaningful support,” Gabion said. “I know the impact a caring adult can make, and I strive to be that person for every student.”

One word that often comes to mind to describe Gabion is collaboration. She works with students one-on-one to break down difficult tasks into simple steps; with co-teachers to coordinate lesson plans so all students can benefit from the instruction; and with other staff members to develop IEPs and educator coaching programs.

“Not only do our new teachers come to her for help, but even our experienced teachers will meet with her to get strategies around coteaching,” Granucci said. “She can work with any teacher, and the classes in which she works see a huge shift in learning for both students with and without IEPs.”

Students credit Gabion with life-changing support, both academically and personally. A meaningful moment of challenge and success came with senior Anthony Douglas, who described his freshman year as a time of personal grief and struggle. After being assigned an IEP and having Gabion as his case-carrier, Douglas said she went above and beyond over the next few years to make him feel supported, which, in turn, helped motivate him to do better.

“She gave me a safe place to express the sadness and grief I was feeling. Even now, when she can tell I’m not in a good mood, she’ll stop and ask me to talk to her,” he said. “I went from a student failing so bad I thought I wouldn’t graduate, to being back on track to graduate with the class of 2026.”

Granucci remarks that it is rare to have someone who is a leading district expert in several fields, making it sometimes difficult to choose which skills to prioritize on any given day.  

“The challenge with Mrs. Gabion is she has talents in so many areas, but there is a limit to the number of assignments she can undertake, and we are forced to work with her to determine which areas fit best,” Granucci said.

From being the first hand in the air when volunteers are needed to making personal connections with students, Gabion consistently sets the standard for students and fellow teachers, embodying the spirit of teamwork.

“Students learn in a space where they are supported academically and emotionally, where asking questions is encouraged, and where collaboration is modeled and celebrated,” Gabion said. “It is a place where every voice matters, and every learner is seen.”

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Ned Maino: Leading by Example with Enthusiasm and Engagement

Edmund “Ned” Maino is a veteran social science teacher and department chair at Tehachapi High School with 20 years of experience, known for transforming his classroom into an engaging, real-world learning experience. Teaching Economics, Government, and History, he emphasizes critical thinking, student voice, and real-life application, helping students see themselves as active participants in society.

“Mr. Maino teaches with a level of rigor that prepares students not only for exams, but for informed citizenship,” said Tehachapi High School Principal Cristina Libatique. “Yet despite these high expectations, he maintains an exceptional rapport with students.”

At the core of Maino’s philosophy is the belief that high school is an experience, not a process. His classroom culture reflects an environment where students feel valued and heard. His lessons combine structured direct instruction with hands-on, interactive learning—such as simulations, debates, and real-world analysis—making complex topics relatable and accessible to students.

A reflective, continuously evolving educator, he regularly redesigns his curriculum to stay relevant and impactful, mirroring the world we live in today.

“I usually refer to myself not as a teacher, but as a practicing teacher, much like an attorney practices law or a doctor practices medicine,” he said. “These two fields are constantly evolving; I feel that education is the same.”

Maino is also a dedicated leader on campus, serving as department chair, class advisor, and mentor to both students and teachers. He contributes extensively to school culture through student activities, athletics, and community engagement. His energy and enthusiasm motivate others to participate.

“I think it’s extremely important that we realize the culture we create in our rooms impacts the culture outside of this room,” Maino said.

One of Maino’s favorite lessons in his economics class each year is the Banana Market. Buyers and sellers work together in a hands-on simulation to negotiate a fair price for goods, learning complex concepts such as supply and demand, market elasticity, and business structure, all in a fun and practical way.

“All students are engaged in their learning, throwing around economic terms, concepts, and vocabulary like they are experts, which they are,” Maino explained. “It’s an amazing, chaotic experience that I look forward to every year.”

Deeply influenced by the teachers who supported him as a struggling student, Maino is driven to have that same impact on his own students—many of whom he has inspired to pursue careers in education. Colleagues describe him as exuberant and passionate, joining in on school activities, great and small.

“He participates in all of the dress-up days, any rally game, or staff dance, and although those things seem small, to his students, they are huge,” said Maino’s friend and colleague, Amy Watkins. “He is one of the most talented, thoughtful, passionate, dedicated, and caring educators I have worked with in my 22-year teaching career.”

Student Kiya Richardson-Hammond said she was fortunate to work directly with Maino in her role as freshman class president and then later as a teaching assistant for his economics class. She says he is the kind of teacher all students hear about as soon as they enter high school because of how well respected and admired he is. They can’t wait to join his class in their junior and senior years.  

“Every student looks forward to having him as a teacher because they know he is genuinely very passionate about what he teaches, sincerely cares about his students, and strives to help others understand the material and to address their concerns,” she said.

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Amanda Meszaros: Student Success Begins with Trust

Amanda Meszaros is a veteran Special Education teacher with 24 years of experience, serving students with extensive support needs at Stockdale Elementary School in the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District. Her work is grounded in a deep belief that partnerships, trust, and inclusion are the foundation of student success.

“Parents value Amanda because she treats them as true partners and consistently focuses on both student needs and student strengths,” said Stockdale Principal Matthew Merickel. “Her students trust her because they know she will advocate for them, support them, and never give up on them.”

Meszaros creates a structured, supportive classroom where students are treated with dignity and high expectations, and where social-emotional learning is just as important as academics. Meszaros recalled a moment during a math lesson when a student became frustrated and said they couldn’t do it. That’s when a peer spoke up and reminded them: ‘We can do hard things.’

“Together, we reframed the challenge, started fresh, and worked through the problem step by step,” Meszaros explained. “When the student finished, they proudly said: ‘You’re right, I really can do hard things.’”

Through individualized instruction, assistive technology, and strong collaboration with paraprofessionals and general education teachers, Meszaros ensures all students can access meaningful learning and build independence. A part of that push toward independence is her advocacy for inclusion. She works to ensure her students are seen as full members of the school community, often transitioning them into general education settings.

“If I wanted my students to be included, I needed to be their number one advocate with my general education teacher peers,” Meszaros said. “Because of this teamwork, my students are seen as students first and are included as valued members of our school community.”

Meszaros’ leadership extends beyond the classroom through mentoring teachers, serving on leadership teams, and promoting schoolwide initiatives like the Great Kindness Challenge.

“Although the Great Kindness Challenge lasts one week, the mindset continues throughout the year. Students learn that acts of kindness not only impact others, but also strengthen their own sense of purpose and belonging,” Meszaros said.

Inspired by her sister with Down syndrome and her early experiences in education, Meszaros is driven by compassion, advocacy, and a belief in every child’s potential. Colleagues, families, and former students consistently describe her as transformative—someone who not only teaches skills, but builds confidence, belonging, and lifelong impact. One former student, David Flores, who has known Meszaros for about 12 years, says she is kind, loving, giving, and smart.

“In my time at Stockdale Elementary, she helped me develop my speech, writing, social skills, and how to be a kind person,” Flores said. “Mrs. Meszaros wasn’t just a teacher; she was a wonderful supporter and friend.”

In their recommendation, the Rodriguez family wrote about how Meszaros created a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment for their nine-year-old daughter, supporting her learning and personal growth, and boosting her confidence. Rodriguez added that Meszaros tailors her teaching strategies to meet the unique needs of each student, and they greatly appreciate her clear and proactive communication with parents and families.

“She is why we love Stockdale Elementary, and why our daughter looks forward to every day at school,” the family said. “Her patience and creativity enable her to reach students at their individual levels, helping them overcome challenges and celebrate their successes.”

Throughout her tenure, Meszaros has learned to never underestimate her students. With the right support, they can achieve great things.

“Inclusion fosters belonging, and when students feel they belong, they thrive,” Meszaros said. “I’ve learned that they are capable of so much more than meets the eye.”

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Kern County Teacher of the Year District Nominees

Classified Employees of the Year