At a ceremony held at Windsor High School on April 8, JoAnn Marty, better known as “Momma Marty” to her students, was named the Windsor C-1 Teacher of Distinction for 2024-25. 

Since Marty has been at Windsor for 21 years, her work has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, she has seen her previous students go from freshmen to seniors and watched them practically grow up and mature into young adults. Not to mention, she loves her job. 

“It’s what I do. I love teaching,” Marty said. 

When she first won the nomination for the high school, she was in shock. 

“I was a little overwhelmed because I did not expect in the least bit. I was very honored to be thought of in such high regard my entire family came, which was very nice,” Marty said. “It was such an honor to be recognized by my peers and see how much people appreciate me.” 

This award honors some of Mrs. Marty’s best characteristics. She’s a very compassionate and empathetic person; she encourages her students to be kind and to work hard. 

One of her co-workers, Jeff Stoffey, has worked with Marty for the past 14 years. 

“She has been an unbelievable mentor to me and many others,” Stoffey said. “She truly cares about all of her students. I have been lucky enough to call her a colleague and now a friend.” 

One student who admires Marty is junior Sydney Streckfuss. Having Marty as her ninth grade teacher was a privilege, and she couldn’t have asked for a better educator. 

“Mrs. Marty isn’t just a teacher—she’s someone who truly cares about every student she teaches. With her guidance, she created a classroom where I could be myself and feel confident in my work. Beyond the lessons she taught, she helped me find my footing and who I was as a freshman in high school,” Streckfuss said. “What truly makes her deserving of the ‘Teacher of the Year’ award goes beyond her excellent teaching- it’s the way she goes above and beyond for students to ensure we succeed, both in school and life.” 

Overall, she has had a major impact on her students and co-workers; it expands beyond the classroom. She has a unique approach to teaching that combines traditional methods with modern mechanisms, and her students interact with new materials in exciting ways. 

Sadly for Windsor, Marty will be retiring at the end of the 24-25 school year. 

“Windsor has been my home and family for what seems like a lifetime. I will miss it terribly,” Marty said.