Sharon High French Teacher Honored at State House

French teacher Kathleen Turner spent the last day of school today in Boston, being honored for being tops in her class.

Gov. Deval Patrick, state education officials, legislators and educators statewide recognized Turner as the 2013 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year.

Turner was among those educators honored during a special State House ceremony, Patrick's office said in a press release.

Harwich High School U.S. history teacher Richard Houston is the 2012 Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year.

The ceremony also recognized the Teacher of the Year finalists and semifinalists; the 2011 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching winners and finalists; and the 2011 Massachusetts Milken Family Foundation National Educator, the press release said.

"Our teachers educate and motivate students every day, preparing them for success as individual learners, responsible citizens, and leaders within their communities," Patrick said.

"I congratulate Ms. Turner and Mr. Houston and thank them for a deep commitment to their profession and the well-being of all students and thank all of our teachers for their work every day to help our students grow."

Turner will be Massachusetts' candidate for national Teacher of the Year. She also will speak and give workshops at schools statewide over the next year.

Turner was honored during a in the Sharon High gymnasium on May 8.