In late April, it was announced that Boston-based educator Sydney Chaffee had been selected for the 2017 National Teacher of the Year Award.
The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) established the National Teacher of the Year (NTOY) program in 1952 and describes it as “the oldest, most prestigious national honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching.”
A National Selection Committee, which represents the major national educational organizations, selects the winning educator from the cohort of State Teachers of the Year. By being selected for this award, Chaffee is the first teacher from the state of Massachusetts to receive this honor since its establishment 65 years ago.
Chaffee, 34, currently teaches humanities to ninth-graders at Codman Academy, a charter public school located in Dorchester near Codman Square. She had been a teacher for the past 10 years, nine of which she spent at her current school. Chaffee completed her undergraduate studies at Sarah Lawrence College and later on graduated from Lesley University with a Master of Education.
According to the official press release, the committee provided the following explanation for their decision to award her this title: “Sydney is optimistic but honest, humble but direct, and puts students at the center of everything she does. She has an astounding depth of knowledge about the many issues facing students and teachers, and upholds others in her work. We look forward to her demonstrated reflective practice, humor, and message of social justice during her year as National Teacher of the Year. As she says herself, there is nothing more powerful than empowering young people.”
As the recipient of this award, Chaffee will spend this upcoming year in the role of an advocate and representative for all teachers by travelling the country in order the raise awareness about the importance of education and learning.
Chaffee commented, “In the course of the next year, I hope to participate in a national conversation on how education can be a tool for social justice and empower students to stand up for themselves and create change.”
Right after the announcement, as well as during the official celebration ceremony on May 2, a number of state and city officials lauded the Chaffee’s efforts and accomplishments.
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said, “It is teachers like Sydney who make Massachusetts a national leader in education, and I know she will represent us well at the national level.”
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh congratulated Chaffee and added, ”Sydney’s expertise and passion for making a positive impact in the lives of students extends beyond the classroom and is helping create the excellent education system we have here in Boston.”
Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester said,
“Her passion for teaching and her dedication to continually learning from her students and colleagues are most impressive.”
Betsy DeVos, the US Secretary of Education, released a press statement after the announcement congratulating the teacher.
“Ms. Chaffee brings a level of enthusiasm, dedication and devotion to her classroom deserving of this national recognition. I applaud her accomplishments and continued commitment to serve her students.”