LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Maritess Medina was nominated by her colleague, Lordelyn Piquero.

"Maritess Medina truly embodies what it means to change lives through education, leadership, compassion, and service. I have had the privilege of knowing Maritess as a fellow educator, and we have attended several professional development trainings and workshops together. Throughout those experiences, I have witnessed her passion for learning, willingness to share best practices, and genuine desire to help both students and fellow educators succeed. She is the kind of teacher who quietly leads by example and inspires everyone around her," said Piquero.

As a special education teacher, she works with students who often face significant academic, emotional, and personal challenges. While many people see disabilities or learning gaps, she sees unlimited potential. She creates a classroom where every child feels safe, respected, and capable of achieving success. She builds relationships first, sets high expectations, and provides the individualized support each student needs to reach those expectations.

What makes Ms. Medina extraordinary is that her impact is measurable. Despite teaching struggling readers and students with disabilities, her classroom has consistently achieved outstanding reading growth and high proficiency through evidence-based instruction, relentless encouragement, and unwavering belief in every learner. Her school has repeatedly recognized her with awards for maintaining a High Bar classroom, reflecting her exceptional classroom management, positive learning environment, and consistently high expectations for students. She has also been recognized year after year for achieving outstanding classroom proficiency and demonstrating strong student growth. These recognitions are especially meaningful because they demonstrate that students who start far behind can excel when taught by an educator who refuses to let their circumstances define their future.

One of the most inspiring examples of Ms. Medina's impact was leading her students to become published authors. Many of these children entered her classroom lacking confidence in their reading and writing abilities. Through her encouragement, creativity, and dedication, they experienced the incredible pride of holding a professionally published book featuring their own work. She did not simply teach literacy. She transformed how her students viewed themselves. She helped them believe that their voices mattered and that they were capable of achieving something they never thought possible.

Her influence reaches far beyond her own classroom. She was selected as one of the contributing authors of New Mexico's Black Education Instructional Scope 2.0, helping develop culturally responsive instructional resources that will benefit students and educators across the state. This achievement reflects both her instructional expertise and her commitment to ensuring that every student feels represented, respected, and valued in the classroom.

She is also deeply committed to supporting fellow educators. As a teacher mentor, she generously shares effective instructional practices, encourages professional growth, and helps colleagues develop the confidence and skills needed to positively impact their own students. Her willingness to invest in other teachers creates a ripple effect that reaches classrooms well beyond her own. Her commitment to developing compassionate, responsible students is equally remarkable. She was honored with a Bronze Award in a national civics competition for creating meaningful learning experiences that inspire students to become thoughtful, engaged citizens. She teaches children how to read, care for others, think critically, and make a positive difference in their communities.

What many people may not realize is that her commitment to changing lives began long before she came to the United States. While teaching in the Philippines, she received the prestigious Super Teacher Award, recognizing her excellence as an educator and the positive impact she had on her students and school community. Beyond the classroom, she became widely known for her heartfelt community outreach initiative, Project Sharing Is a Blessing. Through this project, she mobilized donors, friends, and community members to provide school supplies, food, clothing, toys, and gifts to underprivileged students and families. Year after year, she brought hope to children who had very little, reminding them that they were seen, valued, and loved.

This initiative perfectly reflects the heart of who Ms. Medina is—someone who understands that changing a child's life means caring for both their education and their well-being. Despite receiving numerous recognitions throughout her career, she remains humble. She never seeks recognition for herself. Instead, she celebrates her students' accomplishments, encourages her colleagues, and continually seeks new ways to grow so she can better serve others. Awards may recognize her excellence, but they do not define her. Her true legacy is found in the lives she changes every single day.

A LifeChanger is someone whose influence extends far beyond the walls of a classroom. She changes the lives of struggling readers by helping them become confident learners. She changes children's lives by helping them become published authors. She changes the lives of fellow educators through mentorship and collaboration. She strengthens education through statewide curriculum development. She serves families and communities through acts of generosity and compassion.

Most importantly, she helps every child believe that their circumstances do not determine their future. Ms. Medina's unwavering commitment to students, measurable impact on learning, leadership, generosity, and heart for serving others make her more than an exceptional educator. She is a true LifeChanger.