MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction recently announced the state’s representative to the 2025 National Teacher of the Year Program is Ana Celia Báez, a bilingual counselor at South Division High School in Milwaukee.
Báez is entering her 12th year as a school counselor — all at South Division — and is a graduate of Milwaukee Public Schools. Through her work as a counselor at Wisconsin’s largest bilingual high school, Báez has helped English language students identify and remove barriers standing in the way of pursuing opportunities and achieving academic success. She was selected to be the state’s representative for the Council of Chief State School Officers’ National Teacher of the Year Program earlier this week by a committee composed of educators, representatives from partner organizations, and past Wisconsin Teachers of the Year.
“Ana is an extraordinary school counselor who goes above and beyond for her students, her colleagues, her school and the surrounding community,” State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said. “When I visited South Division earlier this year, it was remarkable to hear the impact she has had on students and how she has worked so diligently to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed in school and their future. Ana understands the importance of growing partnerships, encouraging authentic parental engagement, and making sure the needs of all students are met. I congratulate her on being Wisconsin’s National Teacher of the Year representative, and I have no doubt she will make our state proud at the national level.”
The daughter of Puerto Rican migrants, Báez has been a key to the school’s academic and career planning programming by providing unique guidance lessons that allow students to think intentionally on a plan for their future after high school.
“As a first-generation English language learner who grew up in poverty, I never imagined I would have the honor of representing our state as National Teacher of the Year,” Báez said. “This recognition highlights the dedication, resilience, and the passion educators bring to their work every day. As a bilingual school counselor, this is more than just a career — it’s a calling to empower and uplift students, helping them uncover their strengths and potential.”
Báez created an in-house scholarship fund with the goal of alleviating some financial burden on students who aspire to continue education after graduation. She credits her success to her colleagues and forming meaningful and engaging partnerships with families and the community.
“I am truly blessed to say I love what I do and where I do it,” Báez said. “This recognition not only reaffirms my commitment to creating environments where every student feels seen, valued, and capable of greatness, but it also validates the hard work of my school, my colleagues, and my scholars.”
As Wisconsin’s National Teacher of the Year representative, Báez will receive $6,000 from the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation, and will participate alongside other state representatives in various professional learning opportunities provided by the CCSSO. A National Teacher of the Year is selected from the group and travels nationally and internationally as a spokesperson and advocate for the teaching profession. For more information on the program, visit the CCSSO’s website.