Bentley Academy Educator Jonay Gonzalez Morera Named Recipient of Margaret Voss Howard Teacher Recognition Award

BAIS dual language pre-K teacher honored for championing inclusion, encouragement

Jonay Gonzalez Morera, a pre-kindergarten dual language educator at the Bentley Academy Innovation School, was named the recipient of the Margaret Voss Howard Teacher Recognition Award Tuesday, June 16, at a ceremony at the BAIS Auditorium.

The MVH Teacher Recognition Award is presented annually to two educators – each in the Salem and Marblehead school districts – representative of the excellent, dedicated teachers of each community. 

Mr. Gonzalez was honored by former Saltonstall School principal Dr. Margaret Howard, founder of the award, and received a cash award of $1,000. Jennifer Wilkins, a special education teacher at the Village School, was named the recipient for Marblehead.

“When my name was announced, I was genuinely shocked,” Mr. Gonzalez said. “It was an incredible moment and a very emotional one. Receiving an award that comes directly from families makes it especially meaningful because building strong relationships with students and their families is one of the most important parts of being a teacher. 

“Then came the speech, and I honestly didn’t know what to say,” he added. “It was difficult to fully express the gratitude I carry in my heart. This is one of the most meaningful gifts I have ever received.”

A native of the Canary Islands, Spain, Mr. Gonzalez earned his bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of La Laguna in 2009 and later completed his master’s degree in Educational Technology and Digital Learning. 

After eight years in the education non-profit sector, he became an early childhood education teacher in Spain’s public school system while taking on additional responsibilities in educational leadership, teacher training, and school improvement initiatives.

Mr. Gonzalez came to Salem Public Schools in 2024.

“One of the greatest privileges of teaching in a Dual Language program is watching children discover that speaking another language opens doors to new cultures, new perspectives, and new friendships,” he said. “Those moments inspire me every day.”

Mr. Gonzalez garnered several nominations from BAIS parents and was lauded for his ability to make each student seen and valued and creating a classroom environment where children feel genuinely welcomed and excited to learn. Said one nomination, “In the time [my child] has been in his classroom, I have witnessed an amazing transformation in her. Not only does Mr. G advance his students’ learning but he acts as a safe harbor and a champion for all the students in his care.”

“When he was presented with the award, I read a list of terms that had appeared in the nomination that embody how Jonay ensures belonging for each one of his students,” said Liz Rogers, Principal at BAIS. “With Mr. G, children find a safe harbor and a champion. They find a place to feel seen, welcomed, engaged, encouraged, and loved.”

The MVH Teacher Appreciation Award was founded as a retirement gift for Ms. Howard, funded by gifts from colleagues. 

The honor underscores the core principles of the District’s Strategic Plan, particularly the tenets of empowering educators and centering belonging.

Previous recipients of the MVH Teacher of the Year Award were Michelle Grundy, a first grade educator at the Saltonstall School, in 2025; and Will Warren, a physics and engineering teacher at Salem High School, in 2024.

Mr. Gonzalez lives in Salem.

About Salem Public Schools

Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are all passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens we view all of our work through. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff serve all of our students, regardless of ability or language. Salem Public Schools enrolls approximately 4,000 students across its eleven schools.