Washington, D.C.—Teach Plus applauds the selection of Juliana Urtubey as the 2021 recipient of the prestigious National Teacher of the Year Award. A hybrid teacher at Kermit R. Booker Elementary in Las Vegas and a 2020-21 Teach Plus Nevada Senior Policy Fellow, Juliana serves as an instructional strategist and co-teacher for the Pre-K and special education departments at her school. A bilingual and bicultural educator, Juliana uses the power of gardens to teach her students about character and the joy of learning.
“Juliana is an exceptional educator who centers joy and justice in her teaching, and a passionate advocate for her students and for her profession. Her talent in the classroom, commitment to her peers, and dedication to elevating and empowering her students and their families exemplifies the very best of our most noble profession,” said Roberto Rodriguez, Teach Plus President and CEO. “Juliana’s extraordinary leadership, voice, and lived experience reflect why we believe so deeply in teacher leadership at Teach Plus. We are excited to watch her represent the best of her profession on the national stage, and to join her in a learner and teacher-centered vision for equity in our public schools.”
“I congratulate Juliana on her recognition as the 2021 National Teacher of the Year. Juliana epitomizes what it means to be an accomplished, effective educator. She is passionately committed to providing a joyous and just education to her students, and partnering with families and colleagues to ensure excellence and equity for all students,” said Dr. Tonia Holmes-Sutton, Teach Plus Nevada Executive Director. “She is a bold advocate, dedicated to elevating the teaching profession through her commitment to excellence and equity for all students. It is a distinct honor to lead and serve with Juliana as a Teach Plus Senior Policy Fellow and state and national teacher leader.”
A National Board Certified Teacher, Juliana is a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Teacher Fellow and a member of the NVDE Superintendent Teacher Advisory Cabinet. Her many other recognitions included the 2018 Roger’s Foundation Heart of Education award, the 2019 Chicanos Por La Causa Esperanza Latina Teaching award, and the Hispanic Education Association of Nevada Teacher of the Year award.
About Teach Plus
The mission of Teach Plus is to empower excellent, experienced, and diverse teachers to take leadership over key policy and practice issues that affect their students’ success. Since 2009, Teach Plus has trained thousands of teacher leaders across the country who are driving policy changes and improving the instructional practices of teachers to create an education system driven by equity, access, and excellence for all students. teachplus.org
