Elementary teacher Marta Garcia of Salem, Massachusetts, has been named her state’s 2022 Teacher of the Year. Photo Credit: Massachusetts Computer Using Educators

Congratulations to Marta Garcia, an elementary teacher from Massachusetts, who has been named her state’s 2022 Teacher of the Year. The award is presented each year to a teacher who exemplifies the dedication, commitment and positive contributions of educators within the state.

Marta teaches English as a Second Language to second and third graders at Witchcraft Heights Elementary School in Salem. Before accepting a position in the Salem Public School District in 2006, she taught in California and Spain. In all, her career as an educator has spanned 23 years.

The honored teacher helps students who are new immigrants to the country overcome obstacles with the language and culture. And she wants them to feel proud about their origins. “In my daily teaching, I try to help students nurture their identities and feel proud of their origins as they acquire new ways of seeing the world through a new culture and language,” declares Marta. “I consider myself the bridge on which my students can navigate opportunities coming from both sides, without rejecting one or the other.” To achieve this goal, Marta has served on her district’s Equity Matters team, multiple curriculum committees, and numerous English-learner task forces.

For her work as an educator, Marta has earned many accolades. She earned her district’s Read Trust Excellence in Science Teaching Award. In addition, the Massachusetts Association of Teachers of Speakers of Other Languages nominated her for their Teacher of the Year Award.

Marta earned her Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Valladolid in Spain. She earned her Master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages fro Salem State University. She first came to the United States as part of the Visiting Teachers from Spain program, and later she decided to relocate to this country.