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Santa Barbara County – Six exceptional educators from across the county have been named 2026 Distinguished Mentors and Distinguished New Educators by the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO). Selected for their innovation, leadership, and care for students, these honorees embody some of the very best of teaching in our schools.
Each year, school administrators and teachers across Santa Barbara County public schools are invited to nominate mentor teachers who demonstrate exceptional instructional practices, leadership, and support to new educators. They are also invited to nominate new teachers who demonstrate early career success and outstanding teaching skills.
The selected awardees are participants in a Teacher Induction Program, which pairs experienced mentor teachers with new teachers to ease the transition into the profession, accelerate instructional effectiveness, and support teacher retention…