Tehachapi’s Ned Maino Named 2027 California Teacher of the Year

Edmund “Ned” Maino, a veteran social science teacher at Tehachapi High School known for bringing history, government and economics to life, was announced today as one of five 2027 California Teachers of the Year by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Maino’s recognition marks the second consecutive year a Kern County educator has earned a place among the state’s top teachers. He follows April Raguindin of Bakersfield City School District, who is currently serving as a 2026 California Teacher of the Year.

For Maino, who has spent 20 years in education, teaching is about much more than helping students master academic concepts. It is about creating meaningful experiences that prepare them for life.

“High school is an experience, not a process. Every day, I use this simple statement and strive to make it true and tangible for my students,” Maino said.

Maino teaches AP Government, economics and history and serves as social science department chair at Tehachapi High School. His classroom combines rigorous academic instruction with interactive lessons, debates, simulations and real-world applications designed to encourage critical thinking and student engagement.

One of his favorite lessons is the annual Banana Market, an economics simulation in which students become buyers and sellers, negotiating prices while learning about supply and demand, market elasticity and business structures.

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

Maino was previously named one of three 2026 Kern County Teachers of the Year finalists during the Kern County Superintendent of Schools’ annual Education Champions of the Year celebration in May. He was selected alongside Angel Rose Gabion of West High School and Amanda Meszaros of Stockdale Elementary School from a field of outstanding educators representing school districts throughout Kern County. The distinction made the three eligible to apply for the California Teacher of the Year program.

Ned poses with 2026 California Teacher of the Year April Raguindin of Bakersfield City School District (second from left), and follow Kern County Teachers of the Year honorees Amanda Meszaros (right) and Angel Rose Gabion (far left).

At the time, Tehachapi High School Principal Cristina Libatique praised Maino for balancing high academic expectations with meaningful relationships.

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

Maino’s influence is apparent throughout the campus. He serves as a class advisor, mentors fellow educators and participates enthusiastically in school activities, from rallies and athletics to spirit days.

His approach to teaching is rooted in his own experiences as a student. Having struggled academically himself, Maino credits teachers who supported and encouraged him with shaping the educator he would eventually become.

He also believes that effective teaching requires a willingness to continually learn, adapt and improve.

“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.”

The California Teachers of the Year program, administered by the California Department of Education, has recognized outstanding educators since 1972. County offices of education nominate candidates who undergo a comprehensive statewide selection process that includes application reviews, evaluations and interviews.

Maino joins four other educators from San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties in receiving the 2027 honor. The five will serve as ambassadors for the teaching profession and represent California educators throughout the coming year.

“California’s Teachers of the Year represent the very best of our profession. They see the potential in every student and work each day to ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed,” Thurmond said.

For Maino, the recognition reflects a teaching philosophy he has carried throughout his career, one that recognizes the lasting influence educators have on the students they serve.

“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.