It Begins with Them: Creating a Joyous and Just Education for All Students

Each year, the National Teacher of the Year uses their platform to bring awareness to priorities that will make a direct impact on the students and communities they serve. Juliana Urtubey, the 2021 National Teacher of the Year, is centering her priorities around how educators and communities can work together in creating joyous and just education systems – ones that ensure all students feel a deep sense of belonging by embracing their unique identities and designed to provide students with access to the resources they need to thrive.

Ms. Earth, a nickname her students bestowed on her for her work in a beloved school garden program, believes that by leveraging the collective power between students, families and communities, educators will have the tools necessary to build equitable educational spaces where all children may thrive.

Over the course of the next year and beyond, Juliana will have the opportunity to share nationally her call to action to honor students’ identities, families and communities as we teach so that all children have an uplifting education.

CCSSO is proud to share Juliana Urtubey’s Address to the Nation. Join us in elevating her priorities as the National Teacher of the Year by watching and sharing her full address below.

*Click here to view a version with Spanish translation.