Saltonstall School Educator Michelle Grundy Recipient of Margaret Voss Howard Teacher Recognition Award
Saltonstall first grade teacher honored for dedication, commitment to academic achievement
SALEM (June 30, 2025) – Michelle Grundy, a first-grade educator at the Saltonstall School, was named the recipient of the Margaret Voss Howard Teacher Recognition Award Tuesday, June 10, at a ceremony at the Saltonstall School 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.
Ms. Grundy was honored at an assembly by former Saltonstall principal Dr. Margaret Howard, founder of the award, and received a cash award of $1,000. Katherine (Katie) Amare, an educator at the Marblehead Veterans Middle School, was named the recipient for Marblehead.
“I was absolutely surprised to hear I was the recipient of the Margaret Voss Howard Award,” said Ms. Grundy. “My children were students at Saltonstall when Dr. Howard was principal. I know how much Dr. Howard dedicated her life to education and to Salem. I am grateful for the recognition from my colleagues. I am overwhelmed by their kindness and the time they spent writing their nomination letters.”
Ms. Grundy’s path to becoming an educator began with her involvement as a parent as all three of her children attended the Saltonstall School. She then became a paraprofessional and went on to earn her license as an early education teacher.
Ms. Grundy has also earned her English as a Second Language (ESL) license and is in the final stages of completing studies for her master’s degree.
“Michelle Grundy is a long time Saltonstall educator who is dedicated to her students and Saltonstall School as a whole,” said Saltonstall Principal Bethann Jellison. “She is always willing to step up and take on leadership roles that support the Saltonstall vision. She continues to adapt her practice to better meet the needs of her students. Michelle cares deeply about the academic achievement and social emotional well being of all her students. She is an invaluable member of the Saltonstall community.”
Among her nominations came one from a Saltonstall parent who wrote, “Mrs. Grundy was not only the exceptional teacher that she is, she was a nurturing, supportive person to our daughter at one of her most vulnerable times. Under Mrs. Grundy’s care (our daughter) made huge academic progress, she made meaningful friendships with students in her class and she felt loved and supported at school. Several years later, Mrs. Grundy continues to remain one of the most influential people in (our daughter’s) life.”
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 tenet of empowering educators.
Last year’s recipient was Will Warren, a physics and engineering teacher at Salem High School.
Ms. Grundy and her husband, Richard, live in Salem with their three grown children: Morgan (26), Lyndsay (22) and Cody (17).
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.
