Savannah Chatham County Public School System (SCCPS) Update:
- AATSP praised her for expanding learning opportunities, fostering intercultural understanding, and inspiring others through service.
- More than three decades of excellence in Spanish education highlight Dr. Zurita's roles as master teacher and curriculum leader.
- Designed engaging, culturally rich courses using rigorous, student-centered instruction, inspiring students' global perspectives.
- Advises Savannah Arts Academy's chapter of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, organizing exchange programs with schools in Spain and annual Latino Festivals.
- She called it an honor and privilege to contribute to Savannah Arts Academy's academic excellence and outstanding reputation.
Savannah Arts Academy’s Ana Zurita name National Secondary School Teacher of the Year by AATSP
Savannah Arts Academy Spanish Teacher Ana Zurita has been recognized by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) as the 2026 National Secondary Teacher of the Year. Dr. Zurita had been named the State of Georgia’s AATSP Secondary Teacher of the Year back in April and was evaluated along with educators from across the nation for this recognition.
A release from AATSP states, “These individuals have expanded opportunities for learning, fostered intercultural understanding, and inspired others through their service. Their work reflects an expansive vision of education—one that extends beyond the classroom to include leadership development, community engagement, global learning, and professional collaboration.”
It goes on to state, “Ana Zurita is being recognized as Secondary Teacher of the Year for more than three decades of excellence in Spanish language education. A master teacher, curriculum leader, and innovator, she has designed engaging, culturally rich courses and inspired students through rigorous, student-centered instruction. As one student wrote, Dr. Zurita “did not simply teach vocabulary or grammar; she helped us understand the world through new perspectives.”
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Zurita serves as advisor to SAA’s chapter of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica and has expanded students’ horizons through her leadership organizing exchange programs with schools in Spain, and by organizing annual Latino Festivals that celebrate cultural diversity and strengthen community connections. These experiences bring to life the broader vision of language learning that her students describe—one that helps them understand the world through new perspectives, engage thoughtfully with global issues, and develop confidence in their own abilities. Her passion for language, culture, and student success truly exemplifies excellence in education.
Dr. Zurita says, “It is of course a great honor and a privilege to contribute to the academic excellence and outstanding reputation of my dear Savannah Arts Academy.”
¡Felicidades, Dr. Zurita!
Read more on the official SCCPSS website
