Lowell teacher named 2026 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year raises garden soil safety concern

Dr. Tara Goodhue, introduced by the Lowell School Committee as the 2026 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year, thanked colleagues and framed the award as a win for the city and its students. In a speech that blended personal history and classroom examples, she highlighted student-led work including recycling during a construction project and a Dragonfly Mercury Project that tests fish in the Merrimack River. She also said students will present a student-led climate resolution to the committee next month.

Goodhue told the committee she wants to make Lowell High’s garden functional for student learning. She said construction fill — which she described as including broken glass — was used to fill planting beds and that the construction leader’s plan was to remove only the top 12 inches of soil. Goodhue said the beds are only 18 inches deep and urged the district to remove and replace all contaminated soil to allow safe vegetable growing for students.

Superintendent and committee members praised Goodhue’s teaching and leadership. Committee member Mitch (surname not specified in the transcript) addressed Goodhue as “Doctor Goodhue” and said the committee would work to have the soil removed so the garden could be used for student-grown vegetables. Committee members also noted state officials and student performances that accompanied the award celebration.

The committee did not take a formal vote immediately on remediation; members repeatedly thanked Goodhue and said staff would follow up. Goodhue’s remarks emphasized a broader theme the committee returned to later in the meeting: centering student voice and practical classroom supports.