HAMPTON BAYS, NY — A Hampton Bays High School teacher has been honored by the local VFW for her work in promoting civic awareness and news literacy with her students.
Rachel Kelsh was named Teacher of the Year by Post 5350 Veterans of Foreign Wars. she was presented with the award at a recent ceremony, the district said.
Kells was nominated for her work in news literacy and her participation in government courses, which teach students to think critically and evaluate current events, the district said. Students use the tools they acquire to create political action projects that aim to make an impact in the local community by addressing an issue they are passionate about, the district added.
For their work, students earn points toward the prestigious New York State Seal of Civic Readiness.
“I am extremely grateful for the VFW recognition,” Kelsh said. “The VFW represents men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting democracy around the world. It is very humbling to be honored by a group that I respect and admire so much.”
Kelsh has been teaching in Hampton Bays since 2012. She began her career at Miller Place. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Adolescent Education-Social Studies from SUNY Oneonta, a dual Masters in Secretarial Studies from Dowling College, and has completed courses at the University of London's Institute of Education.
He has also been a member of the Long Island Social Studies Council since 2009 and part of a group of leading teachers working with Stony Brook University to help integrate news literacy into K through 12 grades.
“Ms. Kelsh's work on news literacy is not only a significant contribution to Hampton Bays High School, but to the entire district,” said Superintendent Lars Clemensen. “Her leadership as part of this work with Stony Brook University helped win Hampton Bays recognition as a Lighthouse District for the initiative. We are grateful to the VFW for its recognition of Mrs. Kelsh. Preparing students to be critical consumers of information for Making the right decisions in a rapidly changing world is the cornerstone of a civilized and democratic society.”
