Salem Teacher Named Massachusetts Teacher Of The Year

SALEM, MA — A Witchcraft Heights Elementary School teacher was named the 2022 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year on Wednesday.

Marta Garcia was honored as the state's teacher "who best exemplifies the dedication, commitment and positive contributions of educators statewide."

"Teachers like Ms. García support students, families and schools with care and kindness, and she is an excellent representative of the commonwealth's teachers," Gov. Charlie Baker said.

Garcia teaches ESL to second and third graders in Salem.

A teacher for 23 years, including 15 years teaching multilingual learners in Salem, she is an immigrant parent of two bilingual children. She was praised for understanding the concerns of new students' families and for her proactive approach to reaching out to families to explain the school system to families and see how they are adjusting.

"It's clear that Ms. García is an excellent educator who finds joy in her work and is always focused on what her students need," Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said. "I am pleased to see her many years of dedication recognized with this award."

State Education Secretary James Peyser, Commissioner Jeffrey Riley, State Sen. Joan Lovely, State Rep. Paul Tucker, Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, Superintendent Steve Zrike and Witchcraft Principal Susan Carmona were also on hand for the ceremony announcing the honor at the school.

Garcia is the first Salem teacher to receive the award in its 60th year and now becomes a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year Award.

"Teachers are tremendous assets to our children," Sen. Lovely said. "As an ESL teacher, Ms. García has helped Salem's bilingual and bicultural students and families navigate the school system.

"She is setting our kids up for success, taking every effort to make sure they’re prepared to navigate the world before them. Great teachers change lives, and Ms. García has proven that she is a great teacher."

Driscoll issued a proclamation declaring Oct. 6, 2021 as "Marta Garcia Day in the City of Salem."

"Ms. García is an exceptional teacher, as she educates and empowers our students to be their best despite the obstacles they face," Rep. Tucker said. "We are appreciative of her years of service, kindness, and passion in the field of education. Thank you, Ms. García, for your hard work and values shared with our future generation."

Did you find this article useful? Invite a friend to subscribe to Patch.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)