Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year, Gabriella Huff!

Gabriella Huff, known to her students and colleagues as Mrs. Huff, is a dedicated Special Education teacher serving 5th grade students in a variety of instructional settings at Alma Martinez Intermediate School. With a deep commitment to equity and student-centered learning, she ensures that every child receives the individualized support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Mrs. Huff earned a Bachelor of Science in Women’s and Gender Studies, with minors in Social Work and Ethnic Studies, from Northern Arizona University. She later completed a Master of Science in Educational Studies (Elementary Education) from Johns Hopkins. Her interdisciplinary academic background informs her holistic approach to teaching, grounding her work in advocacy, cultural responsiveness, and inclusive practices.

At the heart of Mrs. Huff’s pedagogy is differentiated instruction tailored to meet the diverse needs of her learners. She believes that meaningful relationships are the foundation of effective teaching and prioritizes creating a safe, affirming school environment where students feel seen, heard, and valued. Through her strong emphasis on social-emotional learning, she empowers students to build confidence, resilience, and independence both inside and outside the classroom.

According to Principal Christa Tillman-Young, “Mrs. Huff is an exceptional special education teacher whose heart for advocacy ensures that every student has equitable opportunities to succeed. She consistently goes above and beyond her role, building meaningful connections with families, engaging our community, and supporting every stakeholder involved in the education of students with special needs. Her dedication, versatility, and leadership are evident in everything she does and she always steps in wherever support is needed. Mrs. Huff truly embodies what it means to lead with heart, and I am incredibly proud to celebrate her as Alma Martinez Intermediate School’s 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year."

Mrs. Huff was nominated and voted on by her peers for this prestigious award. 

Thank you, Mrs. Huff, for being an incredible example of what exceptional teaching looks like!