Congratulations to our 2022 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year!

Today, in front of students, families, and peers, we are proud to announce that Marta Garcia, ESL teacher at Witchcraft Heights Elementary School, was named the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) 2022 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year.

Governor Charlie Baker made this announcement this morning at a ceremony at WHES which included remarks from Mayor Kim Driscoll, DESE Commissioner Jeff Riley, Senator Joan Lovely, State Representative Paul Tucker, and Superintendent Stephen Zrike.

The Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Program is the state’s top award for educators and annually recognizes excellence in teaching across the Commonwealth by selecting a teacher who exemplifies the dedication, commitment, and positive contributions of educators statewide.

Ms. García is the first Salem teacher to become Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. She is the 60th recipient of this award and automatically becomes Massachusetts’ candidate for the National Teacher of the Year program.

“Ms. García’s dedication to her students and their families is a tremendous asset for our community,” said Mayor Kim Driscoll, who chairs the Salem School Committee. “Salem is so proud of her and her many accomplishments and positive contributions to our schools, as we are of all our teachers, school staff, and students.”
 
“We are lucky to have strong educators in Salem, but Marta is a standout,” said Superintendent Stephen Zrike. “She teaches multilingual learners in extraordinary ways that actively involve their families and empowers them to find their voice.”
 
“Marta’s devotion to her students’ needs extends beyond her classroom and helps strengthen the entire school,” said WHES Principal Susan Carmona. “I’m thrilled to see her work recognized and celebrated.”

Congratulations to Marta, this award is sincerely deserved. We are all so proud to have you in our schools.