CONCORD — For the second year in a row, a Manchester School District educator has been named a finalist for 2025 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year. Chelsea Barrett Viera, a teacher in a self-contained autism classroom at Highland-Goffe’s Falls Elementary School, is one of four finalists for the statewide recognition.
The Teacher of the Year Selection Committee will now schedule visits to observe each of the finalists in their classroom environment. An award winner will be announced in October.
“As a finalist, I can say that it is an honor to represent the world of special education and especially in my realm of being a self contained teacher,” Barrett Viera said. “While education is challenging all around these children deserve the world and more. As I move forward in the process I hope to share my platform of inclusion and acceptance. This would include immersing the students in my classroom into the greater community to provide awareness and understanding for all children, educators, and families.”
Manchester School District was once again well represented to be recognized as Teacher of the Year. 11 District educators were among the initial nominees announced by the state this spring, and Barrett Viera was joined by Parkside’s Nicole Gammella as a semi-finalist for the award. The selection committee narrowed the field after semi-finalists made presentations earlier this month.
“This recognition shows everyone what we already know – that our educators are leaders in the field, focused on improving outcomes for our students,” said Superintendent Jennifer Chmiel Gillis. “We are so excited for Chelsea as she moves forward in this process, and we are proud of her, Nicole Gammella and all of the educators nominated this year.”
The other finalists include:
Kristen Dacey, a first-grade teacher at Dr. Lewis F. Soule School in Salem.
Candice DeAngelis, a Spanish teacher at Bedford High School.
Brian Gray, a Business Technology and Social Studies teacher at Sanborn Regional High School.
“These four teachers are leaders in the field of education, with each of them understanding the need for school improvement, student engagement, bold visions and collective experience,” said Christine Brennan, deputy commissioner and member of the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee. “Each year we are proud to recognize these true champions in education, and we are thrilled to showcase their passion and talent in the classroom.”
The 2025 Teacher of the Year will be New Hampshire’s entrant in the National Teacher of the Year program, which is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers. You can read more about New Hampshire's Teacher of the Year program on the state's website.