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Santa Barbara County names Natalie Wilkes 2026 Teacher of the Year
Summary
The Santa Barbara County Board of Education and superintendent Susan Salcedo announced Natalie Wilkes, a first-grade teacher at Monte Vista Elementary (Hope School District), as the 2026 County Teacher of the Year; Wilkes spoke briefly, thanking colleagues and family.
Superintendent Susan Salcedo announced Natalie Wilkes as the 2026 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year and outlined the selection process, which included a diverse committee and site visits. Salcedo praised Wilkes’ classroom practices and systems thinking and noted Wilkes has taught 14 years at Monte Vista Elementary and is the reigning teacher of the year for the Hope School District. “As the unlikely teacher, I can bring a perspective to supporting students in a way that I always needed,” Wilkes said in brief remarks thanking colleagues, her principal and superintendent.
Board president Marybeth Carty and others highlighted Wilkes' literacy and classroom strategies, noting a mix of tactile and digital learning (Play-Doh, Lexia) and adaptive spaces for self-regulation. The announcement is timed to allow the 2026 honoree to complete requirements for the California Department of Education submission; Wilkes will be formally introduced at the county education celebration in two weeks.
