Amy Moran, a seventh-grade social studies teacher at Martin Middle School, was the recipient of two prestigious awards as the 2025 school year comes to a close. Moran was named a “Crystal Apple Award” winner, given to just five teachers nationwide. School Specialty, Inc. is an educational supply company which receives nominations and then selects teachers “who embody our key contest criteria of inspiration, leadership, and passion.” Over 500 nominations describing outstanding teachers were submitted, and thousands of votes were cast.
This year’s nominees bridged all areas of education. “We had 71 art and music teachers, 45 special education teachers, 41 math teachers, 25 science and technology teachers, 12 literacy and language arts teachers, 8 computer and technology teachers, 5 history teachers, and 202 who teach multiple subjects and many more,” said judges of the annual event.
16 finalists were picked and votes for the top 5 winners were cast. Thank you to all the teachers who inspire students and their communities daily with their passion and dedication. Congratulations to our five winners! Each winner receives a Crystal Apple trophy, a $500 School Specialty merchandise certificate, and a $250 School Specialty merchandise certificate for their school,” said company officials.
Additionally, Mrs. Moran was selected as the 2025 East Providence School District of the Year recipient. She was chosen among all individual school-based honorees. In nominating Moran, Martin Middle School Principal Laurie Marchand wrote in part, “Mrs. Moran exemplifies the very best of what it means to be an educator. Students describe her as someone who loves each of them as if they were her own.”
“Students describe her as someone who loves each of them as if they were her own. They say she makes learning fun and exciting, even in the toughest moments. One student wrote, even when we're a bad class, she still treats us with love. That kind of patience, care, and consistency doesn't just teach social studies-it teaches students how to be seen, valued, and supported. One student wrote, she makes me feel normal for the feelings I have,” said Marchand.
Mrs. Moran is more than a teacher-she's a cheerleader, a listener, a safe space, a source of joy and motivation. She inspires kids to reach for their goals and to try again when they fall short. She's honest, kind, funny, empathetic, and determined. And most importantly-she makes every student feel seen. A colleague remarked how Moran’s lessons “are so good, even as a teacher, I find myself stopping to listen in.”
Parents also admire the gift that Mrs. Moran is to our school and community. One parent shared how their child can recite Mrs. Moran's lessons, her words, her actions, and even historical events, with astonishing accuracy. Mrs. Moran inspired their child to join Unified Basketball, encouraged them to believe they were needed, and even made space for them to stay in her room between events so they wouldn't need two rides. “Mrs. Moran always goes above and beyond for her students. She is not just a teacher to her students, she is family.”
Teacher of the Year and school-based winners for 2025:
EPHS: Mary Sorice
RMS: Adam Branch
MMS: Amy Moran
MJ Francis: Eileen Wayland
Hennessey: Lisa Orsini
Kent Heights: Jasmine DaSilva
Orlo Ave: Casey DoVale
Oldham: Lisa Sisson
Silver Spring: Ryan Decarvalho
Waddington: Thomas Boucher, Jr.
Whiteknact: Shana Walsh
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