LAS VEGAS (AP) — The newly named 2021 National Teacher of the Year says a silver lining to the coronavirus pandemic is that educators are embracing a flexible approach that meets students where they are.
The pandemic revealed how learning difficulties, distractions and challenging home dynamics can make it tough to adhere to a rigid curriculum.
Juliana Urtubey is a Las Vegas special education teacher and was recognized with the award Thursday. She's the first Nevada teacher to win. She formed a garden at her previous school.
The selection committee cited the way it connected with the community and helped her students grow as a factor in naming her Teacher of the Year.