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For immediate release

Medfield Public Schools
Jeffrey J. Marsden, Superintendent
459 Main St., Unit 3,
Medfield, MA 02052

For Immediate Release

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Media Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Medfield Educator Named Finalist for

Teacher of the Year Award

Marissa Gumas, a 7th grade math teacher at Black Middle School, works with students on a lesson. Gumas is a finalist for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Teacher of the Year award. (Courtesy Photo Medfield Public Schools)

MEDFIELD — Superintendent Jeffrey Marsden is pleased to share that a Medfield teacher is a finalist for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) Teacher of the Year award.

Marissa Gumas, a 7th grade math teacher at Blake Middle School, was nominated for the award by a community member earlier this school year. Gumas has worked at Medfield Public Schools since 2001, and is known for her dedication to her work as an educator, frequently developing new lesson plans and programming to best support students in the classroom.

DESE annually recognizes a Massachusetts educator for exemplary teaching with its Teacher of the Year award. The award is given to a teacher that is known for his or her work to support student success and growth, commitment to the field of education, leadership and innovative lesson plans, programs and teaching methods.

The educator who is chosen as Teacher of the Year will act as a liaison to DESE and an ambassador for teachers throughout the state.

“Marissa is a student-centered educator,” said Blake Middle School Principal Nathaniel Vaughn. “She consistently displays her knowledge of the adolescent learner, creating and establishing innovative experiences for the students. Marissa’s positive reinforcement encourages all students to reach their potential.”

Gumas has been selected as a finalist after submitting preliminary and semi-finalist applications, and after her classroom was observed by a team of DESE representatives in April.

The Teacher of the Year Award winner will be announced in the coming weeks ahead of the Celebration Honoring Excellence in Teaching at the Massachusetts Statehouse on June 20. Semi-finalists and finalists for the award will also be honored at the event.

“Marissa has a reputation as a dedicated educator, who continues to work hard to use innovative teaching practices to improve her lessons,” Superintendent Marsden said. “She has a knack for helping students challenge themselves, grow and succeed in the classroom, and we’re fortunate to have her here in Medfield.”

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