Luisa Sparrow (center with flowers) was honored as the Massachusetts Teacher of the Year.Photo: Madison Rogers/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A special needs teacher from South Boston's Oliver Hazard Perry elementary school, Luisa Sparrow, has been honored as the 2025 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year.
In a ceremony held Wednesday at the school, Governor Maura Healey was joined by teachers and students, as well as a host of local and state officials including Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
Sparrow was chosen from some 80,000 teachers in 1,800 public schools across Massachusetts.
Known to her students as 'Miss S..' Mayor Wu said what stands out is Sparrow's love that she has for all of her students, and her determination that her students develop both learning and living skills. "She is always determined to help every one of her students get as much joy, experience, and learning out of every moment possible," the mayor said.
Accepting her award, Sparrow directly addressed the students. "You are the reason I do this work," she said as the audience applauded. "I love you."
She was also presented a check for $10,000.
WBZ NewsRadio's Madison Rogers (@MadisonWBZ) reports.