CALIFORNIA BRIEFING / ESCONDIDO

Teacher Alex Kajitani, known as the “rappin’ mathematician,” was named one of four finalists Wednesday for the prestigious National Teacher of the Year award.

Kajitani, who teaches math at Mission Middle School, is known for using rap music to connect with his students “ . . . but his real talent lies in his ability to reach those students who have all but given up on school,” said state Supt. of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell, who nominated him.

“Mr. Kajitani employs this cultural medium because of his deep concern about the achievement gap and what it is doing to his students and to all students who are struggling in school,” O’Connell said.

Teachers from Colorado, Connecticut and North Carolina were also named finalists for the award, which will be announced in April by the Council of Chief State School Officers.

-- Seema Mehta