José Hidalgo, a seventh-grade science teacher at A.L. Stanback Middle School in Hillsborough, was named the Orange County Schools Teacher of the Year Friday afternoon. Hidalgo was chosen from among 13 teachers who were named Teachers of the Year at their respective schools.

“Hidalgo’s selflessness, dedication to his work, and ability to form strong relationships have made a profound impact on A.L. Stanback students and staff,” read a release from Orange County Schools.

Hidalgo has been with Orange County Schools since 2021 and received his North Carolina Educator License in December 2024. In addition to teaching science at A.L. Stanback, he also coaches wrestling and boys’ soccer at the school. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Hidalgo frequently uses both languages during his lessons.

“Being a native Spanish speaker has helped me tremendously in welcoming my newcomer students and including them as part of our classroom,” Hidalgo said.

In the past, he has served as a research consultant in both the United States and Latin America and a geographical information systems specialist. Hidalgo is also an instructor for scuba divers as well as for CPR skills.

As Teacher of the Year, Hidalgo will help organize the district’s cohort of other teachers of the year during the next school year. Hidalgo will also represent OCS alongside other teachers across the state.

“I congratulate Mr. Hidalgo on this well-deserved recognition of his passion for supporting his students and his colleagues,” said Orange County Schools superintendent Danielle Jones. “I am excited for him to represent our district this year. I look forward to working with him and his fellow teacher leaders to enrich and enhance teaching and learning in all our schools.”

 

Featured image via Orange County Schools

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