Two local teachers have been named finalists for New Hampshire Teacher of the Year.
Of the 124 nominees and 51 applicants statewide, Rebecca Fortgang and Katherine McDonough rose to the top.
Fortgang teaches French at Pembroke Academy, where she relishes building connections between language learning and the world at large.
“My classroom extends beyond grammar and vocabulary,” she said in a statement. “It is a place where students discover their voice, earn credentials that expand their futures and recognize their role in a global community. When students leave my program, they do not simply ‘know French.’ They know they belong in the world. That is the impact I strive to make for New Hampshire students every day.”
Fortgang knew from a young age that she wanted to become an educator. As soon as she graduated from Keene State in 2014, she started teaching and never looked back. She joined Pembroke Academy in December after six years at Fall Mountain.
McDonough, who has been teaching in Concord for 13 years, instructs students in Latin at Rundlett Middle School while serving as the World Language Coordinator for the school district.
“For students to develop intrinsic motivation to learn, they must feel belonging in the classroom and joy in their work,” McDonough shared in statement. “… My positive classroom environment relies strongly on team-building and the power of play. In world language class, students who enter my door are immediately in a different place than they are in most of their other classes. Beginning a new language is a great equalizer in a lot of ways.”
She seeks to bring Latin to life for her students and illustrate its relevance today while building links to the past.
The third finalist, Christa Powers, is a math teacher at Pinkerton Academy in Derry.
Concord High School music teacher and performing arts coordinator Gabriel Cohen was among the 11 semifinalists named last month.
The Teacher of the Year will be selected in June, following classroom visits to observe each instructor in their element.
“New Hampshire is proud to celebrate three incredible educators who have been named Teacher of the Year finalists,” said state Department of Education Commissioner Caitlin D. Davis in a statement. “These outstanding professionals embody educational excellence and reflect the very best of what our schools offer. Their commitment to students makes a meaningful difference every day, helping young people realize their full potential.”
