'I Am Extremely Grateful': Hampton Bays Teacher Honored By VFW

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — A Hampton Bays High School teacher has been honored by the local VFW for her work in fostering civic awareness and news literacy with her students.

Rachel Kelsh was named Teacher of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5350; she was presented with the award at a recent ceremony, the district said.

Kelsh was nominated for her work in her news literacy and participation in government classes, in which students are taught to critically think and evaluate current events, the district said. Students use the tools they acquire to create civic action projects that aim to make an impact on the local community by addressing an issue that they are passionate about, the district added.

For their work, students earn points toward the prestigious New York State Seal of Civic Readiness.

"I am extremely grateful for the recognition of the VFW," said Kelsh. "The VFW represents men and women who have dedicated their lives to service and protecting democracy across the world. It is very humbling to be honored by a group I respect and admire so much."

Kelsh has been teaching in Hampton Bays since 2012. She began her career in Miller Place. She holds a Bachelor of Science in adolescence education-social studies from SUNY Oneonta, a dual master’s in literacy from Dowling College, and completed coursework at the University of London Institute of Education.

She has also been a member of the Long Island Council for the Social Studies since 2009 and part of a cohort of lead teachers working with Stony Brook University to help integrate news literacy in K through 12 classrooms.

"Mrs. Kelsh’s work around news literacy is not only a major contribution to Hampton Bays High School, but across the region," said Superintendent Lars Clemensen. "Her leadership as part of this work with Stony Brook University has helped to earn Hampton Bays recognition as a Lighthouse District for the initiative. We are grateful to the VFW for their recognition of Mrs. Kelsh. Preparing students to be critical consumers of information to make proper decisions in a fast-changing world is a cornerstone of a civilized and democratic society."