Dalton, GA – Dalton Public Schools is proud to recognize Dalia Santiago as Westwood School’s Teacher of the Year. A dedicated educator with a deep passion for teaching and service, Santiago has been a vital part of the Dalton community since 1997, bringing nearly three decades of experience and commitment to her students and school.
Santiago’s path to education began in childhood in Mexico, where she would teach imaginary students in her backyard, inspired by her own mother, a teacher, and the strong value her family placed on education. Although she initially pursued a degree in communications, the call to teach never left her. “I had a vocation for teaching,” Santiago recalls. “A professor once told me, ‘You will be a teacher one day,’ and those words stayed with me.”
Her career has taken her across borders and through a wide range of teaching experiences—from Houston ISD to private schools in Monterrey, Mexico, and finally to Dalton, where she arrived as part of the Georgia Project. Since then, she has continued her professional growth by earning multiple advanced degrees, including a specialist degree from Piedmont University.
During her 27 years with Dalton Public Schools, Santiago has worked extensively in ESOL, taught first-grade Spanish, mentored new educators, and hosted student teachers. She is known for integrating diverse cultural perspectives into her classroom and tailoring her instruction to meet the needs of all learners. “My teaching philosophy is based on setting high expectations and fostering a nurturing environment where every student can thrive academically and personally,” she said.
Her innovative approach incorporates music, videos, hands-on activities, and educational technology to reach students with different learning styles. “Watching my students develop is one of the most satisfying aspects of teaching,” Santiago said. “My ‘ahh’ moments have been when my students practice Spanish outside the classroom.”
Outside the classroom, Santiago has also made lasting contributions through community service. From translating at health fairs to guiding Cub Scout troops and teaching confirmation classes at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Santiago’s dedication extends far beyond school walls. She and her husband were active members of the PTO at City Park School, where their children attended, and they helped establish its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
This is not the first time Santiago has been honored for her impact—she was also named the 2021 Tom Jones Educator of the Year, another recognition of her remarkable career and influence in Dalton.
Dalton Public Schools congratulates Dalia Santiago on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her enduring commitment to students, families, and the Dalton community.