NHS Graduate Named Philadelphia Teacher Of The Year

By Steve Bonanno

Since graduating from Newtown High School in 2002, Jessie Todd has become a high school teacher himself. After teaching for six years at Constitution High School in Philadelphia, he recently received a Teacher of the Year Award for the State of Pennsylvania.

The award Mr Todd received is called the Ruth Wright Hayre Award, named after the first African American to teach in Philadelphia. She later became the first African American high school principal, as well as the first female president of the Philadelphia Board of Education.

“She broke so many barriers and is a legend in Philadelphia education,” said Mr Todd. “It’s a tremendous honor to be awarded this.”

Mr Todd teaches Spanish of all levels to grades nine through twelve. Mr Todd shared the keys to his teaching success with The Bee this week.

“Dedication is important. I really devote myself to my teaching. I try to engage my students, and I spend a lot of time preparing meaningful and interesting lessons,” said Mr Todd. “Reflection is also very important. I try to think what goes well and what can be improved. I also ask my students questions to get input on what works best for them to learn.”