(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte teacher fell just short of being named Indiana teacher of the year.  Martin Briggs was one of three finalists for the award supported by the Indiana Department of Education.  Superintendent Dr. Sandra Wood recognized him at Monday night’s school board meeting.

“Even though he’s not the winner, making it to the top three is a phenomenal feat,” she said.Briggs is a teacher at Crichfield Elementary School. “He’s known for his creative, hands-on approach to teaching math and science.  We are tremendously proud of Marty,” she said.

Briggs, who was named La Porte’s elementary school teacher of the year, has been with the school corporation for 47 years.  The teacher of the year award went to Graciela Miranda, an English teacher at Pike High School in Indianapolis.