Somerville Teacher Building A Legacy Through Her Work

SOMERVILLE, MA — Beatriz Thomas had known she wanted to be a teacher for a long time, what she could not have foreseen is that she would end up being a finalist for the Massachusetts Teacher of the Year and working for her hometown district and alma mater.

The ninth-grade social studies teacher became sure of her calling when she was a freshman at the school herself and realized how difficult and daunting the transition can be for new students.

“Because I teach ninth grade, it is very much about relationship building, especially at the beginning of the year because there is no comprehensive transition program,” Thomas told Patch. “The majority of kids that come into high school are coming in blind.”

Thomas graduated from Lesley University and later got her first teaching experience through an internship in the Boston public school district while attending graduate school at Boston College. After completing school, she became a seventh-grade teacher for the neighboring city of Cambridge.

“Every year just confirmed more and more that this was my path,” Thomas told Patch.

The opportunity to teach in Somerville came about during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Thomas did not hesitate to take advantage of it. She said social studies and history has always been a favorite of hers through the personal aspect and thematic connections that can be made between history and modern-day events.

Thomas expressed gratitude for the recognition and said it is a sign she is making a positive impact through her work. She was presented with a $5,000 grant from Wellpoint Insurance — who sponsors the award — during a ceremony earlier this week that she has discretion to spend on things that can improve her curriculum and the school in general.

“Every teacher deserves recognition,” Thomas said. “Whether that be formal like this through the state or from their boss, students, or family.”

Thomas says she plans on using the money to fund peer mentorships and restorative justice work initiatives for students and a potential in-depth transition programs for incoming freshmen.

Thomas said her six years teaching in Somerville has not only been fulfilling to connect with students she has things in common with other than going to the same school.

“I’m Latina. My parents immigrated from El Salvador in the 1980’s,” Thomas told Patch. “Our student population is majority minority, so over 40 percent identify as Hispanic Latino. I can be my authentic self to my students.”

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