From the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: DESE recognized 20 award-winning educators from across Massachusetts at its annual Celebration Honoring Excellence in Teaching on Tuesday, May 5, during National Teacher Appreciation Week. In addition to the award presentations, Lowell High School’s Sound Impressions sang and danced for the 100 guests.
“Teachers change lives every single day, and these honorees represent the very best of education in Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “They are inspiring curiosity, building confidence and helping students see what’s possible for their futures. We are proud to celebrate these extraordinary educators and grateful to every teacher across Massachusetts for the care, dedication and passion they bring to their classrooms and school communities every day.”
“Great educators leave a lasting impact not only on their students, but on entire communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re proud to recognize these outstanding teachers, counselors, nurses and school leaders who go above and beyond to support young people and help them succeed. Massachusetts is stronger because of their leadership, compassion and commitment to students.”
“Being in a room with so many outstanding educators is truly inspiring,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “It is especially meaningful that we gathered here during Teacher Appreciation Week—a time to celebrate the unwavering commitment, care, and love our educators show to students every day. Congratulations to the awardees and thank you to all our talented educators across Massachusetts.”
“It was a fantastic evening to be in a room with so much excellence,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “These teachers, administrators, nurses, and counselor have a profound impact on their colleagues and students, and we’re grateful for their work.”
Wellpoint, a health benefits company that serves Group Insurance Commission (GIC) members, this year sponsored the Teacher of the Year program, offering $10,000 to the winner’s school and $5,000 each to the finalists’ schools.
“Wellpoint is honored to celebrate the 2026 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year and this year’s honorees for their outstanding commitment to students and communities across the Commonwealth,” said David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint. “In our second year sponsoring this program, we’re proud to recognize educators who make a lasting difference and remain committed to supporting their whole health and role in inspiring the next generation.”
The educators honored during DESE’s May 5 event were:
2026 Teacher of the Year
- Tara Goodhue, Science Teacher, Lowell High School
Finalists for 2026 Teacher of the Year
- Sarah Costello, First Grade Teacher, South Row Elementary School, Chelmsford
- Thomas Simmons, English Teacher, Mario Umana Academy, Boston
- Beatriz Thomas, Social Studies Teacher, Somerville High School
Semifinalists for 2026 Teacher of the Year
- Amy Adamski, Math Teacher, Hampshire Regional High School
- Michael López, Drama Teacher, Lynn English High School
- Anderson Manuel, First Grade Teacher, General John Nixon Elementary School, Sudbury
- Lisa Yendriga-Norberg, History/Social Studies Teacher, Sumner G. Whittier School, Everett
2025-26 Milken Educator Award Winner
- Elizabeth Metts, History Teacher, Excel Academy Charter High School in East Boston
History Teacher of the Year
- Jenny Staysniak, History Teacher, Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School
2025 STEM Teachers of the Year
(Patriots Hall of Fame Presented by RTX)
- Elizabeth Mundy, Chemistry Teacher, Watertown High School
- Tammy Rumplik, STEM Teacher, Roberta G. Doering School, Agawam
Superintendent of the Year
(Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents)
- Karen Crebase, Superintendent, Hopedale Public Schools
High School Principal of the Year
(Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association)
- Scott Palladino, Principal, Wareham High School
Middle School Principal of the Year
(Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association)
- Sarah Houle, Principal, Southbridge Middle School
Elementary School Principal of the Year
(Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association)
- Liz Garden, Principal, Henry P. Clough Elementary, Mendon-Upton Regional School District
Assistant Principal of the Year
(Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association)
- Michael Lavelle, Assistant Principal, Quaboag Regional Middle & High School
School Counselor of the Year
(Massachusetts School Counselors Association)
- Henry Wan, School Counselor, Harrington Elementary School, Lexington
School Nurse Administrator of the Year
(Massachusetts School Nurse Organization)
- Stephanie Moisan, School Nurse Leader, Dudley-Charlton Regional School District
School Nurse of the Year
(Massachusetts School Nurse Organization)
- Laurie Sheridan, School Nurse, Hawthorne Brook Middle School, North Middlesex Regional School District
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