2018 Teacher Of The Year Named For Montville Schools

MONTVILLE, CT - School officials announced Tuesday that Josh Cushing has been selected as Montville's 2018 Teacher of the Year. Josh received his Bachelors in Music Education from The University of Delaware in 2008 and began teaching in Montville in February 2009.

Cushing is focused, driven and passionate about music, according to a release. He has conceived of, initiated and implemented new courses, curricular and assessment strategies based on the needs and interests of his students. (To sign up for Montville breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

Officials said Cushing has built true musicianship in his students, and has developed future musicians with a lifelong love of music. By fostering his students’ ability to independently apply strategies learned in class to self-correct and perfect their sound, he has cultivated a group of students who are problem solvers and active participants in their lessons.

Cushing has served as a leader in regional professional development for music teachers from eighteen districts. This year, he worked with the Tyl music department to orchestrate the districts first grade 6-12 choral concert, which officials said was a huge success with standing room only.

Cushing also works tirelessly to provide his students with opportunities to participate in musical events outside of the regular school day, including two acapella choirs after school and music festivals for competitions.

Two ninth grade students recently entered an essay contest at their orthodontist’s office, where the subject of the essay was my teacher. In their essays, they referred to Cushing as “an outstanding teacher, life-coach and mentor, who always looks out for his students’.

In their essays, they indicated that not only does Cushing bring the best out of his students musically but also regularly discusses with his classes how they can improve personally. He encourages his students to help others, help their community, be kind to one another and to spread positivity and kindness.

“Mr. Cushing has taught me that there are things bigger than all of us, and that there are things worth working for," an unidentified former student said in a release. "He is a teacher who has not given up on changing the world."

School officials congratulated Cushing and thanked him for everything he continues to do for the students of Montville.

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