Home - 2026 Educator Summit

Professional Standards. Personal Growth. Student Success.

You're invited to the Educator Summit — a one-day professional learning conference designed for teachers, coaches, mentors, and administrators.

Engage in a variety of inspiring sessions aligned to the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP), and collaborate with fellow educators.

You'll walk away with meaningful strategies, practical resources, and connections that extend well beyond the conference day.

Come ready to learn, grow, and be inspired. We can't wait to see you there!

April Raguindin is a first-grade teacher and garden and kitchen educator in Bakersfield, California, with nearly two decades of experience in public education. A 2026 California Teacher of the Year, April holds a master’s degree from UCLA and serves as a Teach Plus fellow. Her work centers on edible education, equity, and joy, championing the needs of multilingual learners to ensure every student feels seen and valued. Dedicated to fostering lifelong curiosity, April believes hands-on experiential learning is a powerful tool for building community, belonging, and academic access.

Edmund “Ned” Maino brings more than 20 years of high school teaching experience across Southern, Northern, and Central California. Grounded in his belief that education is an experience, not a process, Ned uses engaging, student-driven learning and meaningful self-reflection to continually define and refine what he calls the practice of teaching. He brings a thoughtful, hands-on perspective focused on creating learning experiences that actively engage students and strengthen teaching practice.

Amanda Meszaros brings more than 20 years of experience supporting students with extensive support needs, from preschool through high school. Her passion for special education is deeply personal, shaped by growing up alongside her sister, who has Down syndrome, and by seeing firsthand the difference dedicated educators can make. Amanda brings both professional expertise and personal perspective to her work, with a focus on helping students build independence, strengthen communication, and experience meaningful inclusion.

2026 Educator Summit

Featured Speakers

Agenda at a Glance