On Feb. 22, the teacher of the year winner was announced. This year, the winning teacher was Marietta Koziatek from the Math Department. Koziatek was chosen out of 17 original nominees and four finalists.

Koziatek has been nominated in the past; however, she was ineligible to continue with the process because she was not tenured yet. Three students, Deandre Harvell, Josh Mruzik and Taylor Rehmus, nominated Koziatek.

Harvell said that he nominated Koziatek because of her unique teaching style and that she generally felt like a good teacher.

“I can tell you that being nominated is a very special feeling. To know that someone took the time and effort to nominate me is inspiring.  It made me realize how much a student takes away from the classroom and how I need to do my very best in the classroom everyday to help reach my students,” Koziatek said.

Koziatek considers winning the award a great honor.

“Honestly, I am still shocked that I received the award.  There are so many deserving teachers in this building.  Lafayette is a great school with fantastic teachers,” Koziatek said.