Alejandra Navarro, a first-grade Dual Language Immersion (DLI) teacher at Goleta Union School District’s El Camino Elementary School, has earned the title of 2027 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year.
A passionate advocate for language learning, early literacy, and inclusive instruction, Navarro has dedicated 19 years to the Goleta Union School District. She has spent the last seven years serving students and families at El Camino Elementary School.
Navarro was also named Teacher of the Year at both the school and district level.
She is one of the founding teachers who helped launch the district’s first DLI program seven years ago at El Camino, where students are taught in both English and Spanish as they build bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural understanding.
The campus now maintains a waitlist due to strong interest from Goleta families.
Originally from Carpinteria and a mother of two school-aged children who both attend El Camino, Navarro is known for creating classrooms where students learn to read and write while also building confidence, connection, and pride in who they are, the Santa Barbara County Education Office said.
“Being a teacher is far more than the title suggests,” Navarro said in her Teacher of the Year application. “We don’t just teach, we guide, we nurture, we inspire, and we believe in our students, often before they believe in themselves.”
During the announcement ceremony at the May 14 County Board of Education meeting, Navarro talked about the impact of DLI education and the students she serves.
“Every challenge, every long day, and every moment of hard work has been worth it when I look out at a classroom full of students who are not only bilingual, but who truly understand that being bilingual is a superpower,” she said.
“It is a superpower that will open doors for them into new cultures, perspectives, and opportunities,” Navarro said.
Susan Salcido, Santa Barbara County superintendent of schools, said Navarro exemplifies the very best of public education.
“Alejandra Navarro is the kind of educator who changes the trajectory of children’s lives,” Salcido said. “Her leadership in Dual Language Immersion education comes at an important moment for Santa Barbara County, where we continue to see growing demand from families for multilingual learning opportunities.
“I congratulate Alejandra on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to learning more from her throughout the coming year.”
El Camino Elementary Principal Lorena Chavez said Navarro’s influence extends beyond her classroom walls.
“I first worked with Alejandra many years ago when she was my student teacher, and it has been inspiring to watch her grow into the outstanding educator and leader she is today,” Chavez said.
“Alejandra has consistently worked to secure resources, training, and instructional materials for both students and teachers and has truly helped to shape the strong and supportive community we have at El Camino. We are all extremely proud of her,” she said.
“This recognition reflects the kind of learning community we strive to build in Goleta Union,” said Mary Kahn, superintendent of Goleta Union School District.
“Alejandra brings together academic excellence, strong relationships with families, and a deep belief in every child’s potential. We are thrilled to see her honored at the county level,” Kahn said.
Selecting the Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year is a multifaceted process. In the fall, all Santa Barbara County school districts are invited to submit a nomination, and teachers may nominate themselves.
Applicants must have a minimum of eight full years of classroom teaching experience.
The SBCEO Teachers Network and a diverse selection committee conduct an extensive review of applications, letters of recommendation, interviews, and classroom observations to identify an educator who exemplifies instructional excellence, leadership, innovation, and deep commitment to students and the teaching profession.
Navarro, along with other award-winning educators from Santa Barbara County, will be introduced at SBCEO’s Education Celebration, Thursday, May 21, and officially honored at the annual A Salute to Teachers event in November.
As Santa Barbara County’s recipient, Navarro now becomes eligible for consideration for the California Teacher of the Year award.