Juliana Urtubey, NBCT, MA
Special Education Bilingual Teacher, Program Director, Arizona K12 Center
Highlights
2021 National Teacher of the Year
2021 People of the Year Representative for All Teachers
Appointed to President Biden’s Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics
Nicknamed “Ms. Earth” by her students for her efforts to beautify schools and unify the community through murals and gardens
Juliana Urtubey is the 2021 National Teacher of the Year. She’s taught in special education settings and developed a schoolwide, multi-tiered system of supports. In 2022, President Biden appointed her to the President’s Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics.
She has shared widely about “joyous and just” education, including at the White House and Harvard University, and has made national and international media appearances. In 2021, she was featured on the cover of People magazine’s “Person of the Year” issue, representing educators.
A National Board-Certified Teacher, she holds a BA in bilingual elementary education and an MA in special bilingual education from the University of Arizona. She’s a member of the board of directors and a teacher fellow for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
Publications, media, and appearances
