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Mahopac High School social studies teacher Edward Gillespie has been chosen to receive the 2012 Outstanding Social Studies Teacher Award from the Westchester Lower Hudson Council for the Social Studies (WLHCSS)
Gillespie, a Mahopac teacher since 2001, teaches 9th and 10th grade Global Studies along with a well-received elective he initiated and developed titled Genocide in the 20th Century.
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“It is Ed’s ability to connect with the students in his classroom that defines what a truly special teacher he is,” said Frank Moloney, MHS social studies chairman. “His ability to present information in creative and innovative ways is endless.”
They include writing history-based poetry and songs for student sing-alongs. (His rapper name is Higher Ed.)
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“I have a real passion for history and you can’t fake that with kids,” Gillespie said.
Over the years in Mahopac, he has taught AP World History, Political Science and Economics, night school and summer school. He was also head soccer coach for five years. “Being a teacher has been a wonderful ride and I can’t see myself doing anything else.”
A graduate of Washington & Lee and Fordham University, Gillespie had his initial experience teaching as an English instructor in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
“Ed’s classroom always bustles with activity and positive energy,” MHS Principal Adam Pease wrote in nominating Gillespie for the award. “His charismatic personality makes him a staff and student favorite. But behind this outgoing, positive exterior is a thoughtful, reflective and intelligent professional.”
The award will be presented on May 23 at the WLHCSS annual meeting at the Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow, followed by a celebratory dinner at The Striped Bass in Tarrytown.
