Schools
HS West Teacher Linda Davidson Receives Distinguished Teacher Award
Former students nominated Ms. Davidson for the 2013 Harvard Club of Long Island Distinguished Teacher Award
Current Harvard College undergraduates were asked by The Harvard Club to nominate outstanding Long Island teachers from grades 7 through 12 who made a difference in their lives.
Linda Davidson, a Hills West honors and AP chemistry and science research teacher for 28 years in Half Hollow Hills was selected to receive The 2013 Harvard Club of Long Island Distinguished Teacher Award. Ms. Davidson is one among a dozen Long Island teachers who will be honored with this award at a ceremonial luncheon on Long Island on April 7.
Her teaching was described by former students as such:
Find out what's happening in Half Hollow Hillsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“I have never in my life managed to be interested in either calculating nonsensical things like the number of centimeters in a foot or doing experiments outside my imagination, i.e. in reality. It seemed she got quite a few other people excited enough about chemistry that they planned on pursuing it in college. In any case, I have no idea what constitutes an ideal teaching style, and surely all the other classes I’ve liked in my life I’ve only liked because I was accidentally very well prepared for them, but it is absolutely clear that whatever voodoo she does to teach us things should be packaged and spread across the country.”
In addition to Ms. Davidson’s inspirational teaching methods, she is also the Club Advisor for Science Explorers and Mock Trial. Her other accolades include the 2009 Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Joseph B. Whitehead Educator of Distinction Award.
Ms. Davidson noted that throughout her career in HHH, she has written some 600+ college recommendations for students, approximately 50+ for her Harvard student applicants. She said, “I am thrilled to have made an impact on my students as they continue their education and accomplish even greater things at Harvard and beyond. I am very humbled to receive this award.”
Superintendent of Schools Kelly Fallon stated: “Having our former students take the time to acknowledge an educator who they feel enhanced their overall learning experience and contributed to their success is the greatest compliment, not only to the teacher, but to the district, too. The entire Half Hollow Hills community is extremely proud of Ms. Davidson.”
