MARBLEHEAD — This year’s recipient of the Margaret Voss Howard Teacher Recognition Award for Marblehead is none other than Katie Abare of Veterans Middle School, a teacher known for her unwavering dedication, creative spirit, and profound impact on students and colleagues alike.
The Margaret Voss Howard Teacher Recognition Award is presented annually to one teacher in Marblehead and one in Salem, “as a representative of all the excellent, dedicated teachers in the community who make a difference to children every day,” said Peg Howard.
Now in its 15th year, the award has doubled its cash prize from $500 to $1,000 to further recognize the vital contributions of educators.
Named after Dr. Margaret Voss Howard — known to many as Peg — the award honors her legacy as a teacher, administrator, and advocate for public education. Howard served in Marblehead Public Schools from 1973 to 2005, later becoming principal of Salem’s Saltonstall Elementary School and serving on the Salem School Committee for eight years.
“I had connections with both communities, and what I really wanted to do when I retired was acknowledge teachers because I just don’t see enough people realizing how much teachers do and how important they are,” Howard said. “As a retirement gift, I asked people to contribute to a fund that would create a teacher award, and then my family invested a chunk of money with Essex County Community Foundation so we’d have that for a number of years.”
The selection committee, made up of educators, considers nominations submitted by parents, students, and fellow staff. Winners are chosen based on several criteria, including innovative classroom practices, leadership, school-wide impact, and inspirational influence on students.
This year’s Marblehead honoree, Katie Abare, stood out for her exceptional involvement both inside and outside the classroom. According to her nominators, Abare is the kind of teacher who “doesn’t just teach in the classroom; she actively shapes the spirit of our school,” regularly attending student events — from concerts and games to cruises and field trips.
“She is ever-present and ever-invested,” one nominator wrote. Another added, “She’s the kind of person every school dreams of having on their team.”
Described as someone who “leads with heart, connects with authenticity, and inspires without trying,” Abare has earned her place among the district’s most respected educators.
“In just a few short years, she has evolved from a promising new teacher into one of the greats in our building and across our district,” read one nomination letter.
Abare said she was in shock upon winning the award.
“I am speechless. I came into this school three short years ago, and I have felt so supported every step of the way. Veterans Middle School is the absolute best place to work. I walked in having no idea what was going on, and the staff in here really lifted me up and helped me in every way,” she said.
In recognizing Abare, the award also serves as a tribute to the broader teaching community. As Howard put it, “This is also a little bit for all of you and the great work you do, sometimes in really challenging situations. Your work is valuable and important.”
