Mayte Gudiño, left, was congratulated by Congressman Mike Thompson for her dedication, leadership and advocacy for the Gretchen Higgins Elementary School students.

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Mayte Gudiño of Gretchen Higgins Elementary School was recognized as the first Educator of the Year at Celebrate Dixon on March 8. Her 28 years of dedication and service to the students and families of Dixon have earned her this honor.

Gudiño has taught across multiple grade levels, from kindergarten to sixth grade, and has experience as a dual immersion teacher, which allows her to support multilingual and non-English-speaking students. Her contributions have also been vital in the development of a strategic plan for the Dual Immersion program at Gretchen Higgins Elementary. Her BCLAD (Bilingual, Cross-cultural, Language and Academic Development) and reading credentials further reinforce her skills.

Beyond the classroom, Gudiño is a respected leader and advocate for student achievement. She serves on Gretchen Higgins Elementary’s leadership team and is the site English Learner Lead Teacher. As an AVID-trained educator, she plays an integral role in implementing district-wide initiatives, equipping students with the skills needed for academic achievement and future success. Gudiño also leads her site’s Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) to, among other things, ensure that migrant families are empowered and engaged in their children’s education.

Mayte Gudiño of Gretchen Higgins Elementary School was recognized as the first Educator of the Year at Celebrate Dixon on March 8. Her 28 years of dedication and service to the students and families of Dixon have earned her this honor.

Gudiño’s influence extends to her students as well as her peers. Alongside being a mentor and coach for new teachers, she also works as an induction support provider, guiding and supporting educators early in their careers. Her support includes helping them develop strong instructional practices, effective classroom management and confidence in their teaching. Gudiño has served as a Response to Intervention Teacher (RTI) for multiple years at both Anderson and Gretchen Higgins Elementary Schools. This role entails identifying and supporting struggling students by providing increasingly intensive interventions to cater to their needs and progress. 

Gudiño’s ability to collaborate with students and stakeholders alike fosters a growth-oriented school environment, strengthening the overall instructional quality of Gretchen Higgins. According to Principal Georgina Llamas-Cruz of Gretchen Higgins Elementary, Gudiño’s effectiveness as an educator is evident in her ability to create a structured, engaging and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. In the education space, Gudiño is collaborative, passionate and deeply committed to ensuring that every child receives a high-quality education. 

As a former migrant student herself, Gudiño understands the challenges that many families in the community face and chooses to use her platform to alleviate these stressors where possible. Her personal connection to these issues has allowed her to build trust with students and parents alike.

Gudiño’s dedication to fostering collaboration and ensuring positive student outcomes has earned her the recognition of the community as Dixon’s first Educator of the Year.