Submitted by the Governor's Press Office:

Gov. Deval Patrick joined state education officials, legislators and teachers from across the state to recognize recipients of the state’s top honors for educators. 

The Teacher of the Year semifinalists included Neil Mansfield, a high school metal fabrication/welding teacher at Assabet Valley Vocational Technical High School in Marlborough.

Awards were presented at a State House ceremony to the 2013 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year, as well as the finalists and semifinalists for Teacher of the Year; the 2012 Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year; the 2011 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching winners and finalists; and the 2011 Massachusetts Milken Family Foundation National Educator.

“Our teachers educate and motivate students every day, preparing them for success as individual learners, responsible citizens, and leaders within their communities,” said Patrick. 

The Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Program is administered by the Patrick-Murray Administration in partnership with Hannaford Supermarkets. The program annually recognizes excellence in teaching across the commonwealth by selecting a teacher who exemplifies the dedication, commitment and positive contributions of educators statewide. In addition to sponsoring the State House awards ceremony and luncheon, Hannaford presents a $3,000 grant to the Massachusetts Teacher of the Year, $2,000 grants to the finalists, and $1,000 grants to the semifinalists.