15 Charter Public School Educators Honored at the 2026 Latino Educators Shine Awards
July 14, 2026 |Massachusetts Charter Public School Association
Fifteen educators from Massachusetts charter public schools were recognized at the 2026 Latino Educators Shine Awards in June, hosted by Latinos for Education. The annual awards celebrate Latino educators whose leadership, innovation, and commitment are making a meaningful difference for students and school communities across the Commonwealth.
This year, 57 educators from across Massachusetts were honored, including 15 educators from charter public schools. These educators are helping expand opportunities for students while strengthening public education in communities across the Commonwealth. The following charter public school educators were recognized by their state legislators during the 2026 Latino Educators Shine Awards:
- Kristen Suarez Lima – Argosy Collegiate Charter School
- Stephanie Ramirez – Boston Prep Charter Public School
- Lesley Peña – Brooke Charter Schools
- Kiara Martinez – Excel Academy Charter Schools
- Natali Mercedes – Hill View Montessori Charter Public School
- Federico Pereyra – Innovation Academy Charter School
- Andreina Croes – Lawrence Family Development Charter School
- Yanela Cruz – Libertas Academy Charter School
- Rafael Salado, Match Charter Public School
- Denise Rincon – Pioneer Charter School of Science
- Remberto Perlera-Vasquez – Pioneer Charter School of Science
- Omar Gonzalez – Salem Academy Charter School
- Shirley Vazquez – Springfield International Charter School
- Janelee Morales Colon – Veritas Prep Charter School
- Mario Chavarria – Veritas Prep Charter School
Although charter public school educators make up just 5% of Massachusetts teachers statewide, they accounted for 26% of Latino Educators Shine Award recipients. Their recognition reflects the meaningful impact charter public school educators are making in classrooms and communities across the Commonwealth.
That impact is also reflected in the diversity of the charter public school workforce across Massachusetts.
How do charter public schools compare to district public schools in educator diversity?
Charter public schools employ a higher share of educators and school leaders of color than district public schools statewide, increasing the likelihood that students learn from diverse educators and leaders.
- Charter public school students are 3.6 times more likely to have a teacher of color than students in district public schools statewide (34.19% compared with 9.47%).
- Charter public school students are 4.5 times more likely to have a superintendent or executive director of color than students in district public schools statewide (31.83% compared with 7.05%).
- Charter public schools employ a higher share of educators and school leaders of color than district public schools, contributing to greater representation across Massachusetts public education.
