DEVENS – The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education held its annual Celebration Honoring Excellence in Teaching on Tuesday, May 5, presenting awards to 20 educators across Massachusetts, including two in Worcester County.
“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 counselors have a profound impact on their colleagues and students, and we’re grateful for their work.”
The awards are issued as part of National Teacher Appreciation Week.
“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.”
The award winner in Worcester County are:
- Sarah Houle, Principal at Southbridge Middle School, received the award for Middle School Principal of the Year.
- Stephanie Moisan of the Dudley-Charlton Regional School District received the award for School Nurse Administrator of the Year
The full list of award-winning educators this year are:
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
