Jonay Gonzalez Morera, a preschool teacher at Bentley Academy Innovation School in Salem, and Jennifer Wilkins, a special education teacher at the Village School in Marblehead, are this year’s recipients of the Margaret Voss Howard Teacher Recognition Award.
In separate ceremonies at their schools, the two teachers were recognized as “representatives of all the excellent, dedicated teachers in the community who make a difference to children every day.”
Gonzalez, a preschool bilingual teacher, was credited with building strong and joyful foundations for the young learners, creating “a classroom environment where children feel genuinely welcomed, loved, and excited to learn.” One parent said she witnessed an amazing transformation in her child, saying “I attribute it, with all my heart, to Mr. G. A teacher who can heal a child’s spirit, nurture her mind, and help her fall in love with learning and with herself is extraordinarily rare.”
Wilkins was praised for her exceptional care and support for children with complex learning situations and for continually providing opportunities for inclusion in a range of school activities. She goes beyond the school day in showing support for the students in her care. In addition to her work in the classroom, nominators reported that “Ms. Wilkins established a yearly Thanksgiving morning feast, bringing students and staff together in a way that built connection, pride, and joy, something our school community continues to value.”
Honored teachers receive a cash award as well as a certificate of merit. In its 17th year, the award is a fund of the Essex County Community Foundation. A committee of local school administrators and Howard select the honorees from nomination letters submitted by educators, students, and community members.