Southbridge Public Schools Educators Honored with Latino SHINE Educator Awards
Southbridge, MA — Two Southbridge Public Schools educators were honored at this year’s Latino SHINE Educators Awards in Boston today.
Assistant Superintendent Judy Maisonet and Eighth Grade Math Teacher Jared Figueroa received awards at the fourth annual installment of the event, which honors Latino educators across the Commonwealth. Latinos For Education is a national nonprofit, founded in Boston, and focused on supporting Latino students, educators, and families via programming and state level advocacy.
Judy Maisonet is a distinguished educational leader with over 20 years of service in public Education. She has consistently demonstrated excellence as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, and district leader, where her current role involves driving strategic initiatives, supporting school leadership and improving educational outcomes across the district. Judy also led Charlton Street School as Principal, where she built a nurturing school community, improved academic outcomes, and guided the school through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the classroom to the central office, Judy’s career reflects her commitment to students, families, and educators.
Ms. Maisonet holds a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies and a Master of Education from American International College, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Springfield College. She is licensed as a Superintendent and Administrator in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. She has been recognized with numerous honors including the Pioneer Valley Distinguished Teacher Award and a nomination for Massachusetts Teacher of the Year.
Jared Figueroa graduated from Southbridge High School in 2018, well known at the time for his prowess on the basketball court. Following his SHS graduation, Jared earned a Bachelor’s
Degree from Nichols College in Business, then he returned to his roots in Southbridge as a
Math Teacher in 2022.
Over the last three years, Jared has become an important member of the district’s math department and his grade level team. His commitment to the students of Southbridge Middle School is apparent in his consistent approach to instruction, his expectations for students, his excellent attendance, and his openness to hearing and implementing feedback. He is a team player and has been open to supporting math across grade levels when the need arises.
This year’s SHINE awards were held at the Massachusetts State House in partnership with State Senator Adam Gomez on Wednesday, May 28th. The awards honored Latino educators nominated by their state legislators for the trailblazing work they do in the classroom every day.
“We are thrilled to see Judy Maisonet and Jared Figueroa nominated by State Representative John Marsi and State Senator Ryan Fattman for the Latino Educators Shine Awards in honor of their outstanding contributions to the Southbridge Public Schools District,” said Jacqueline Monterroso, Director of Policy & Advocacy at Latinos for Education. “Their recognition is a testament to the powerful impact Latino educators have in fostering inclusive, high-quality learning environments. Judy and Jared embody the leadership and commitment that help students thrive and communities flourish. We celebrate their achievements and thank our elected officials for uplifting their voices.”
Massachusetts Rep. John Marsi and Sen. Ryan Fattman nominated Ms. Maisonet and Mr. Figueroa for the awards.
“I'm extremely excited for Judy and Jared - they are very deserving of this award and I was proud to nominate them,” said Marsi.
“I think it's so important to catch people doing good in the community and the Latino Shine Awards are just one way of doing that! Congratulations Judy and Jared and thank you for all that you do for us!”
Fattman’s office called the two “tremendous ambassadors of Southbridge Public Schools and educators and school administrators across Massachusetts.”
