Nicole Juanita Da Silva, who teaches ESL and ELA at Boston International High School in Dorchester, has been recognized as one of the city’s best educators by the Boston Public Schools, the city of Boston, and the Boston Teachers Union. Ten teachers in all received citations at center court at TD Garden on April 11 during the Boston Celtics’ final regular-season game.
“Being a mother — especially a single mother — influences who I am as an educator,” said Da Silva. “I want my students to have a learning experience that I would give to my own daughter. My students are a part of my extended family. Some of them even call me their second mom or aunt in this country, and I expect nothing but the best for them.”