Boston Public Schools Educators Recognized for Their Exceptional Contributions to the Community
Tuesday, January 11, 2022 — The Boston Public Schools (BPS), the City of Boston, and the Boston Teachers Union (BTU), are pleased to announce the winners of the 2021 BPS Educator of the Year Awards. 
The Educator of the Year Awards recognize the exceptional educators who go above and beyond to impact the lives of BPS students, families and community members. The award program celebrates educators who exemplify a commitment to their profession and honors educators who are worthy of representing the positive contributions of teaching staff districtwide.
Nominations for the Educator of the Year award were accepted for teachers, paraprofessionals, nurses, librarians and other support staff. Fellow educators, families, students, community members, and others were invited to nominate educators who they believed to be deserving of recognition for their contributions to the school community.
Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the process was interrupted in School Year 2020, however, nominations of educators who remained in the same roles in 2021 were included in this year's review. In total, over 400 unique nominations were reviewed and considered for the award.
“As a BPS mom, Bostonian and Mayor, I am so grateful to our educators for adapting to the unprecedented challenges brought on by the pandemic,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Building the brightest future for the next generation depends on the great work happening in education today. Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to all the teachers, nurses, paraprofessionals, and other BPS staff whose work is so essential to our city.”
Compelling nominations substantiated with evidence of each educator’s work, student work samples, letters or support and a confidential vetting process involving evaluation and conduct history were a part of the process to narrow down this group of 12 winners for this year’s award.
“Our educators have been through a lot over the course of the last two years, but time and time again they continue to show up for our students and their families,” said BPS Superintendent, Brenda Cassellius. “The winners of this year’s award are examples of the great educators within BPS. They are pillars of their school communities and instrumental parts of the development and growth of their students. I am honored and grateful to have them as part of the Boston Public Schools. I look forward to further celebrating their great contributions to BPS in the coming weeks.”
“Congratulations to this year’s recipients! These educators go above and beyond to serve our students, and are great representations of the talent and steadfast commitment to learning within this district,” said Boston School Committee Chairperson, Jeri Robinson. “The Educator of the Year Awards are a great way to highlight and honor the deep commitment of our BPS staff. Thank you for being unequivocal role models for your school communities.”
In addition to the six teachers honored, this year’s winners also include two paraprofessionals, two nurses and two related service providers.
The 2021 BPS Educator of the Year award winners are:
- Related Service Provider
- Lucinda Mills — Behavioral Health Services, District Social Worker
- Maria Monteiro-Roby — Brighton High School, Clinical Coordinator
- Nurse
- Marta Bausemer — Boston Green Academy
- Adalis Henriquez — Josiah Quincy Upper School
- Paraprofessional
- Juan Diaz — Thomas A. Edison K-8 School
- Amy Lucid lnezein — Philbrick Elementary School
- Teacher
- Langston Peace — Excel High School
- Amanda Khatcherian — Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers
- Ta-Tanisha Curry — Josiah Quincy Elementary School
- Kimberly Kulasekaran — William E. Carter School
- Konstantinos Petmezis — Mary E. Curley School
- Cheralyn Pinchem — Boston Latin School
“Boston’s educators have always been dedicated, and the past two years have shined additional light on the devotion and love that BPS educators have for their students and families. The winners of this award exemplify BTU’s values and we are proud to honor them and the work that they do,” said BTU Executive Vice President, Erik Berg. “Thank you for your hard work and unwavering commitment to our students. Congratulations!”
Each winner is representative of the rich diversity of the BPS community. Educator of the Year award winners, their families and colleagues will be invited to attend a virtual Boston School Committee Meeting in January to honor their exemplary work and commitment to their school communities.
