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2023 BPS EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Boston Public Schools Educators Recognized for Their Exceptional Contributions to the Community

BOSTON -- Wednesday, November 1, 2023 -- The Boston Public Schools (BPS), the City of Boston, and the Boston Teachers Union (BTU) are pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 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 educators, 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. In total, close to 500 nominations were reviewed and considered for the award.

"Our educators provide invaluable mentorship and guidance to our young people in shaping the next generation of leaders in Boston," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "Their dedication and commitment to creating a nurturing, supportive environment has helped so many BPS students thrive and find their love for learning. Congratulations to all of the winners, and thank you to our entire BPS staff community, 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 7 winners for this year’s award.

"Every day, and especially during the pandemic, our educators are there to serve our students," said Superintendent Mary Skipper. "The winners of this year's award 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 BPS community and I am proud of their accomplishments."

"These educators go above and beyond to serve our students," said Boston School Committee Chairperson Jeri Robinson. "The Educator of the Year Award is a distinct honor that is indicative of the amazing work these educators do for our community. There are countless amazing teachers in BPS and I am so proud of this year’s recipients."

This year's winners also include three educators,  a paraprofessional, a nurse, and two related service providers.

The 2023 BPS Educator of the Year award winners are:

Teachers

  • Tanisha Milton, Grade 8 History @ TechBoston Academy
  • Donald Neville, Grade 7 Math @ Mildred Avenue K-8
  • Sally Ng, K2 @ East Boston Early  Childhood Center

Nurse

  • Deborah Doherty @ Jeremiah Burke High School

Para

  • Sheila Santana, Grade 4 @ Sarah Greenwood K-8 School 

Related Services Providers

  • Kelly Gallagher, Region 8 Social Worker
  • Beth Rymarczyk, Occupational Therapist @ Beethoven Elementary 

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 the BEDF Gala on November 14 at Grace By Nia and a virtual Boston School Committee Meeting in December to honor their exemplary work and commitment to their school communities.

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