Educators from Chipman Junior High School and Arvin High School have been named teachers of the year by the Jim Burke Education Foundation.

Derek Kendall is a counselor at Chipman in northeast Bakersfield and says he felt honored after receiving junior high honors.

“It’s validation of all the hard work and time that I’ve put into, hopefully, making a positive impact on our student’s lives,” Kendall said.

Meanwhile, Arvin High School business teacher Stephen Granucci was named the high school teacher of the year.

“I had no idea I was going to win this,” Granucci said. “It’s just amazing that people think this much of me.”

27 teachers were recognized Tuesday night in downtown Bakersfield.

– Anthony Pollreisz