Region I Teacher of the Year: Marsha Perry

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MEET THE REGION I TEACHER OF THE YEAR

MARSHA PERRY
ACES Chase Academy
Area Cooperative Educational Services

Magnet Schools of America is proud to recognize Marsha Perry, English Language Arts teacher at ACES Chase Academy, as the Region I Teacher of the Year. With more than 18 years of teaching experience across ACES magnet schools, Perry exemplifies the power of literacy, equity, and student voice in advancing the magnet mission. Her work is rooted in the belief that learning begins with belonging—and that when students feel seen, valued, and challenged, they thrive academically and personally.

Throughout her career, Perry has played a vital role in strengthening instructional coherence and collaboration within her school community. As a team leader and former data team lead, she supports curriculum alignment, instructional consistency, and meaningful use of data to improve outcomes. Her commitment to professional growth—including extensive training in Universal Design for Learning, restorative practices, and the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project—has translated into measurable gains, such as a documented increase in student writing proficiency over time. She also mentors new teachers, modeling effective instruction and helping colleagues build confidence, capacity, and strong classroom cultures.

Perry’s classroom is known for interdisciplinary, magnet-aligned learning experiences that elevate student agency and real-world problem solving. Signature projects such as the Water Filtration STEAM unit, Environmental Writers’ Guild, and annual Poetry Slam integrate literacy with science, design, advocacy, and presentation skills. These experiences consistently yield high engagement and strong academic results, while helping students see literacy not just as a subject, but as a tool for understanding the world and making their voices heard. Her intentional selection of diverse texts and multiple entry points ensures that every learner can access rigorous instruction and contribute meaningfully.

Beyond the classroom, Perry’s leadership extends into the broader school and community. She serves on the LEAP Committee to support attendance, engagement, and belonging, and is active in organizations such as the NAACP and local youth programs—work that strengthens her connection to families and informs her culturally responsive teaching. Community partners describe her as a trusted mentor whose compassion, steadiness, and advocacy leave a lasting impact on students long after they leave her classroom. As Region I Teacher of the Year, Marsha Perry represents the heart of magnet education: rigorous learning grounded in relationships, equity, and the belief that every student’s voice matters.

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