Zotermermers Dagblad | “Teacher of the Year” Peter Oytenbogaard is in the spotlight

On October 5, Peter Uittenbogaard, an economics teacher at Sint Maarten College, was elected “Teacher of the Year” for 2023. Uittenbogaard stands for “craftsmanship” and “wants to make students world-wise,” according to the jury report. The award was presented on Teachers’ Day by Marielle Paul, the outgoing Minister of Primary and Secondary Education. “I think it’s an honor, and I’ll do my best to be a good ambassador for secondary education,” Uittenbogaard replied. He dedicated the award to his mother. She attended the awards ceremony in Laren with family members and a number of Martens’ colleagues.

Mayor Martin Frome and Councilor Geoffrey Kious personally came to the Martin family to offer their congratulations.

Uittenbogaard was nominated in the Secondary Education category along with Sandra Damhuis (Portium College) and Joost van Soest (Marais College). Elections are organized every year by the Teachers of the Year Foundation. The “Teacher of the Year” is an ambassador of the profession, enthusiastic and passionate. He is a person who actively contributes to the development of quality education, both inside and outside school.

Uittenbogaard is 43 years old and has been working in the classroom for about twenty years. He attended Alfrink College in Zoetermeer, and studied economics and law at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam. In addition to his work as a teacher, he writes about political and economic developments in the United States. Teachers, school leaders, education (support) staff as well as students and parents can register a tutor; Peter Oytenbogaard was nominated by a student and his mother. “He really cares and his influence extends beyond just economics – he also thinks and helps on a personal level,” says this parent.