Maine-Endwell School social studies teacher, Rachel Murat, has been named 2020 New York State Teacher of the Year. The state’s Board of Regents made the announcement on Tuesday in Albany. The NYS Teacher of the Year award recognizes exemplary teachers who are skilled and passionate about teaching. Murat was a 2019 NYS Teacher of the Year finalist.
“It is an honor to be named New York State Teacher of the Year and I very much look forward to being the ambassador for our 210,000+ NY teachers,” said Murat. “My philosophy of teaching is that we do our best to create kind, compassionate, community minded individuals who know they can, and will, make a difference through their actions and their commitment to seek out learning throughout their life.”
This is Mrs. Murat’s 24th year as a teacher. At Maine-Endwell, she currently teaches AP Government and Politics, US History, Participation in Government, GSuite and Digital Leadership. She is also the advisor for MESH’s Key Club, the school’s freshmen Mentoring Program, the Class of 2021, and is the president and founder of the district’s M-EALS program.
“Rachel focuses on learning for all and empowers students to find and share their voice as individuals. She models respectful behavior, encourages academic risk-taking, and inspires students to be community-minded servants,” said Maine-Endwell Superintendent Jason Van Fossen.
