Milwaukee City Wire

Ana Báez, a bilingual school counselor at South Division High School, has been recognized for her dedication to serving young people and their families. Her commitment to her work led the state Department of Public Instruction to honor her as a Wisconsin Teacher of the Year for 2024-25. This prestigious award is given to only five teachers out of thousands in the state each year.

The announcement was made by State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly during a surprise ceremony at South Division’s auditorium on Thursday, May 9. The news was met with gasps from the seniors in the audience before all students and staff erupted into applause for Báez.

Báez, who herself grew up in a Spanish-speaking household in Milwaukee, said that she finds her job as a school counselor highly rewarding. She emphasized her enjoyment of working with the students and staff at South Division High School every day.

Having attended Milwaukee Public Schools from kindergarten through grade 12, Báez is an alumna of Casimir Pulaski High School. After earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she returned to MPS with a goal to serve its community.

Báez highlighted that over 50 percent of students at South Division High School are bilingual, which allows her to utilize her own language skills in assisting not just students but also their parents. She shared how she used to interpret for her parents when she was younger, similar to many children of migrants and immigrants.

In addition to counseling duties, Báez has also founded and raised funds for a scholarship program at South Division. State Superintendent Underly noted that Báez's colleagues have praised her as a creative problem solver who is one of the most respected staff members in the building.

Upon receiving the Teacher of the Year award, Báez expressed that it was truly an honor and reflected on her fulfilling 11-year tenure at South Division. She emphasized her love for teaching life skills to students and preparing them for their future beyond high school.

The award ceremony was attended by Báez’s family, including her brother Dr. Juan Báez, Principal at Milwaukee School of Languages. Several dignitaries were also present on stage, including Joanne Anton, President and CEO of Herb Kohl Philanthropies; Marva Herndon, President of the Milwaukee Board of School Directors; and Dr. Keith P. Posley, MPS Superintendent.

As a state teacher of the year, Báez will serve on a quarterly state council and attend the State of Education address in Madison in the fall. One of the five state Teachers of the Year will be chosen to represent Wisconsin in the National Teacher of the Year program.

South Division High School is home to one of the largest high school bilingual programs in Wisconsin and offers Advanced Placement courses in various subjects. The school also houses two NAF Academies that prepare students for careers in education and health sciences.