WORCESTER — Thursday, May 7, 2026 — Claremont Academy history teacher Joseph Moriarty, a Worcester Public Schools educator and proud Worcester State University alumnus, was recently recognized with the 2026 Massachusetts State Universities Educator Alumni Award, an honor presented to outstanding educators who exemplify excellence in education.
Presented by the Massachusetts State Universities Council of Presidents, the annual award recognizes one educator from each Massachusetts state university whose work reflects the strength and impact of public higher education in the Commonwealth. Moriarty was selected by Worcester State University as its 2026 honoree and was recognized during a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House on April 29.
Moriarty was one of nine educators from across the state to receive the award. The honor recognizes alumni who represent the best and brightest in education and continue to make meaningful contributions in schools and communities across Massachusetts.
A proud Worcester State graduate, Moriarty earned his Bachelor of Arts in History in 2015 and later returned to earn his master’s degree in moderate disabilities in 2023. He began his career in youth work through Worcester State University’s Latino Education Institute, an experience that helped shape his commitment to education, equity, and student advocacy.
Moriarty has been with Worcester Public Schools for 11 years and currently teaches Latin American Studies, AP Human Geography, and Peacebuilding. His work is rooted in student-centered instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and innovative approaches that help students connect academic content to real-world issues and their own lived experiences.
Joseph Moriarty said:
“Being a teacher is the best job in the world. Inspiring students to see the brilliance within themselves and giving them space to grow and express their understanding of the world brings me great joy.
Anything I’ve been able to do in my classroom is only possible because of my students’ willingness to work hard, express themselves, and think outside the box. Every challenge I give them, they rise to and often surpass what I thought was possible.”
In his Latin American Studies course, Moriarty developed a project in which students research and analyze political revolutions across Latin America, building historical understanding through inquiry, discussion, and presentation.
He has also integrated Hip Hop Pedagogy into his curriculum, using the five elements of Hip Hop as a framework for student learning and expression. Through music, graffiti art, poetry, and rap, students explore culture, resistance, identity, and history in ways that make learning both relevant and engaging.
In addition to his classroom instruction, Moriarty is piloting a peer mentoring program through his Peacebuilding course, creating opportunities for students to support one another, strengthen relationships, and develop leadership skills rooted in empathy and collaboration.
“Joe creates a classroom environment where students feel empowered to think critically, express themselves authentically, and engage meaningfully with the world around them,” said Principal Chris LaBreck. “His creativity, commitment to student voice, and passion for teaching make him an outstanding educator and a deserving recipient of this recognition.”
Moriarty lives in Worcester with his wife and two sons and remains deeply committed to student empowerment and community engagement. His work reflects a strong belief in education as a tool for opportunity, connection, and lasting change.