Juliana Urtubey, NBCT has used her platform as 2021 National Teacher of the Year to advocate for a “joyous and just” education for all students, one that is inclusive and celebratory of all students’ identities, families and communities. Juliana is a National Board Certified Teacher and holds a bachelor’s degree in bilingual elementary education and a master’s degree in special bilingual education from the University of Arizona. In September 2022, President Biden appointed Ms. Urtubey to the President's Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics. She is a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Board of Directors member and Teacher Fellow. Ms. Urtubey has been featured on the cover of People Magazine representing educators as the 2021 People of Year and on Telemundo’s 2022 Hispanic Heritage Celebration. 

Since being announced as National Teacher of the Year in May 2021, Juliana has shared her “joyous and just” message with pre-service teachers, educators, and policymakers across the country – including at the White House and Harvard University– and through U.S. and international media, including Good Morning America, the TODAY Show, Univision, Telemundo, and Colombia’s El Pais, El Espectador, and RCN Noticias.