David S. Glahe, a second grade teacher at Hyde Park Elementary School in Niagara Falls, N.Y., received the U.S. Teacher of the Year Award from Niagara University’s College of Education on Dec. 18, 2017, during an assembly held at the school.
Glahe, who earned a master’s degree in elementary education from Niagara University in 1996, holds National Board Certification, the highest level of recognition for a teacher in the United States.
As the New York state educational landscape changed over the last several years, Glahe led professional development workshops to support teachers in their evolving understanding of the new expectations. He is described by Niagara Falls City School District Superintendent Mark Laurrie as a “teacher leader” and a “voice of reason.”
For the past several years, Glahe has personally delivered school supply lists to his students’ homes. He uses the in-house interactions with parents and caregivers to learn more about the individual needs of the students coming into his classroom, dialogue that he says helps him create a more positive classroom community.
In accepting the award during the surprise announcement, Glahe acknowledged the impact of his colleagues, saying, “I am only the teacher I am now because of the people that I work with, so thank you.”
To learn more about Niagara University’s College of Education, please visit www.niagara.edu/education.