Jessica Santiago recognized for deep and lasting impact on global education
NEW BERLIN — Jessica Santiago, a Spanish teacher at New Berlin West Middle/High School, has been named the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s 2024-25 Global Educator of the Year.
With 23 years teaching middle and high school Spanish, Santiago has distinguished herself as a passionate and inspiring leader, advocate, and model for global education in her school community and across the state. Her teaching goes beyond language instruction – she also teaches about the world through language, helping students become globally competent citizens.
“Ms. Santiago exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a global educator,” State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said. “She ignites curiosity, encourages critical thinking, and creates meaningful opportunities for students to connect their learning to the world. Her leadership, both in and out of the classroom, is an inspiration. I am proud to recognize her as the Global Educator of the Year.”
As a recent participant in a U.S. Department of Education-funded Global Curriculum development Program, Santiago focused on environmental justice in Puerto Rico. Through collaboration with other global educators, she helped design an inquiry-based, standards-aligned Spanish unit to engage students with real-world environmental issues around the globe. She credits the experience as pivotal in motivating her to bring authentic, real-world content into her classroom.
Santiago also serves as president of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese and is a trained facilitator in global learning. Her commitment to professional growth and community partnership is evident in everything she does – from designing curriculum to building inclusive, globally aware school communities.
As the 2024-25 Global Educator of the Year, Santiago will receive a Council on International Educational Exchange scholarship to represent Wisconsin on a global site visit to Rome, Italy.
The Global Educator of the Year Award recognizes outstanding educators who provide high-quality global learning experiences and foster student engagement with the world beyond their communities. Visit the DPI’s website for more about the Global Educator of the Year Award program and the selection process.
