On March 11th, one of South Windsor High School’s very own teachers was recognized as the State of CT Educators Rising Teacher of the Year. The Food and Consumer Science and Child Development teacher, Melissa Doherty, has been a teacher leader for Educating Rising for four years and now has the title of Teacher of the Year.
Educators Rising is a community based movement dedicated to high-achieving high school students who are interested in education as a career. Each year, Educators Rising recognizes one exceptional teacher for the state of Connecticut, this year being Doherty.
Teacher of the Year aims at celebrating and uplifting teachers who have made a lasting impact on their students, a trait well and alive in Doherty.
Doherty dedicates her time to each and every student she has, including the pre-schoolers. In her Child Development and Leadership course, Doherty teaches aspiring students how to care for children, lesson plans and all things education. Additionally, students who take the leadership course receive college credit for Early Education.
Doherty is the epitome of devotion. For her students, she applied and completed her R-360 training for a “V” endorsement on her driver’s license. This allows her to transport students to and from school. She plans to visit local elementary schools with her students allowing for them to engage in clinical experiences and hands-on-learning.
Sophomore Adam Gadit is in Doherty’s Childhood Development class and has nothing but good things to say.
“I feel a sense of relief when I can relax and unwind in Mrs.Doherty’s class and spending time with the children after the stress of my other classes,” Gadit told The Prowl.
Doherty takes pride in her career and lifelong goal to empower every student that enters her class. She can’t wait to continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
