The Hudson County Board of Freeholders honor, applauds, congratulates and commends Martha Noriette Garcia on being honored as the Hudson County Teacher of the Year for 2019-2020.
Martha Noriette Garcia, a 6th to 8th grade Visual Arts teacher at Academy 1 Middle School in Jersey City, was recently named the Hudson County Governor’s Teacher of the Year for the 2019-20 school years, selected from a wide field of candidates eligible for the honor by the New Jersey Department of Education. She is an inspiring educational leader who has made tremendous contributions in the field of education.
Martha Garcia graduated magna cum laude from Montclair State University with a bachelor’s degree in Art Education. She is currently enrolled in graduate classes at New Jersey University. She previously served as a permanent substitute at Montclair High School for two years before joining the Jersey City School District.
Martha Garcia has led her students to win multiple awards for their artwork. Her curriculum includes portraiture, art that represents likeness of a real or imaginary individual, and she had her students draw portraits of children from Syria, which was this past school year’s assignment. She wants her students to apply art to reality. She knows not every student will become, or want to become, an artist, but she hopes each will become more knowledgeable through art.
Martha Garcia is continuously finding ways to improve student achievement and has attended professional development programs at places such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art and the National Art Educators Conference. As an art advocate, she has initiated large-scale group installations and exhibitions within her school and community, extending art education and awareness outside the limits of her classroom. Through her guidance, countless students have been able to attain their highest potential, winning awards and becoming creative thinkers and problem solvers.
Martha Garcia considers Jersey City to be an optimal district for teaching art because of the City’s support of the arts, such as the annual Jersey City Art & Studio Tour, the City’s mural program and art galleries like Mana Contemporary.
Freeholder Anthony Vainieri and the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders congratulate, commend and extend its highest commendations to Martha Noriette Garcia for her contributions to the Jersey City school district and her tireless dedication to her students
Release #128