For immediate release
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Contact: Jacqueline Reis 781-338-3115
Commissioner Announces 2019 Teacher of the Year East Bridgewater Junior/Senior High School math teacher Jamil Siddiqui receives state's top educator award
EAST BRIDGEWATER – Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley today announced that Jamil Siddiqui, a math teacher at East Bridgewater Junior/Senior High School, is the 2019 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. The Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Program is the state's top award for educators and annually recognizes excellence in teaching across the Commonwealth by selecting a teacher who exemplifies the dedication, commitment and positive contributions of educators statewide. State education officials used the occasion of Tuesday's National Teacher Day to make the announcement.
Mr. Siddiqui, who lives in East Bridgewater, is the state's 57th recipient of this award and automatically becomes the state's candidate for the National Teacher of the Year program.
“The success of Mr. Siddiqui’s students is a testament to his hard work and daily dedication as their math teacher,” saidGovernor Charlie Baker. "His commitment to East Bridgewater Junior/Senior High School students is representative of Massachusetts teachers across every district in the Commonwealth who are preparing young people to be successful long after leaving the classroom.”
"As co-chair of the STEM Advisory Council, I often see firsthand how important it is for students to build and believe in their math abilities," said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. "The Commonwealth is grateful for teachers like Mr. Siddiqui who have dedicated their lives to making a difference for others."
Mr. Siddiqui has been teaching for 24 years and has never stopped trying to improve his own teaching. One year, he videotaped every one of his classes and reviewed the videos of lessons that he felt may not have worked well enough.
Mr. Siddiqui has also helped other teachers grow. Fourteen of his former students are currently math teachers. He has also mentored new teachers and, while department head, helped teachers learn from each other.
"Mr. Siddiqui is a remarkable teacher whose students are lucky to have him," Education Secretary James Peyser said. "Teachers like him help expand what is possible for their students after graduation."
"Teachers like Mr. Siddiqui are the reason our state’s schools are as strong as they are," Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley said. "Through his work, he has elevated his students’ understanding and his own practice, and he has also inspired and mentored new teachers. It is a pleasure to recognize him today.”
The selection process for the 2018-19 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year began last fall with a call for nominations from administrators, teachers, students, parents and others. An initial review of each nominated teacher's written application led to the selection of semifinalists, who then submitted additional supporting material. Three finalists were selected and interviewed by an independent review panel of experts, including past recipients of the recognition. That panel then recommended one finalist to be named Massachusetts Teacher of the Year by Commissioner Riley.
The other two Teacher of the Year finalists for this year's award were Alexandra Caram, a library media specialist at Summer Street School in Lynnfield, and Gavin Smith, a ninth grade biology teacher at John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science in Boston.
Mr. Siddiqui, Ms. Caram and Mr. Smith will join other outstanding educators, including the Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year, the finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, and Teacher of the Year finalists and semifinalists, for an awards ceremony at the State House on June 21, 2018.
“The East Bridgewater Public Schools is proud to have Mr. Siddiqui chosen for teacher of the year! His dedication to his own personal professional practice growth must be commended,” East Bridgewater Superintendent Elizabeth Legault. “Mr. Siddiqui prides himself as a master teacher and exhales this enthusiasm daily to his students by giving them a quality, student driven, engaging and challenging experience. He doesn’t stop until every student ‘gets it’ – that’s what we call being a teacher.”
"Jamil is a gifted and passionate educator who radiates a love for mathematics and kids. I am grateful and humbled to work alongside such a tremendous educator,” East Bridgewater Junior/Senior High School Principal Brian Duffey said. “This is a great honor for a man who has spent a career as a champion for young people."
About Jamil Siddiqui
Jamil Siddiqui grew up in Caribou, Maine. He holds a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering and two master's degrees, one in mathematics education and one in pure mathematics, all from Boston University.
His advice to teachers-in-training has been, “You have to love something. You love your subject, or you have to love your students.”
Mr. Siddiqui has spent his entire career at East Bridgewater Junior/Senior High School, where he is lead teacher of the math department and student activities coordinator for the high school. His previous honors include being a 2017 finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
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