American Falls educator named Teacher of the Year

American Falls educator Marc Beitia has been named 2019 Teacher of the Year. Not only is Beitia a Career Technical Education high school teacher, he is mayor of American Falls and the lead’s the state’s most honored FFA program.

“As Idaho Teacher of the Year, Marc Beitia is a perfect fit for this state and the rural community he leads,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra said. “And at the same time, he is one-of-a-kind.”

Ybarra surprised Beitia in his classroom Monday with news of the selection. He will represent Idaho in the National Teacher of the Year competition.

Beitia is entering his 35th year of teaching. He has been Mayor of American Falls for the past six years and served for six years prior to that on the city council.