Teaching Profession Video

2021 National Teacher of the Year: Special Education Is the ‘Heartbeat’ of Schools

By Emma Patti Harris & Madeline Will — May 6, 2021 3:13

Juliana Urtubey, an elementary special education teacher in Las Vegas, is the third special educator to receive the national honor in the program’s nearly seven-decade history. Known as Ms. Earth, Urtubey has built a school garden, where she leads classes and teaches students about character and growth mindset.

Emma Patti Harris is a deputy managing editor for Education Week who oversees visuals and immersive experiences.
Madeline Will is an assistant managing editor for Education Week, leading coverage of early childhood education and school leadership.
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