Westhampton Beach Educator Named 2023 VFW 'Teacher Of The Year'

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — A Westhampton Beach educator has been named 2023 "Teacher of the Year" by the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization.

Korey Williams, who teaches social studies at Westhampton Beach High School, earned the honor "for his unwavering patriotism and dedication to the goals of the VFW," the district said.

His win marks the second time he has earned the honor; he was previously named in 2018.

Williams received the nomination from local VFW Post 5350. He is known for supporting the post’s annual Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy student essay contests and inviting post members to tell their stories to students every November, the district said.

Williams, who has been teaching in the Westhampton Beach School District for the past 28 years, said he was honored by the recognition.

Williams coaches the Westhampton Beach junior varsity boys and girls tennis teams. In addition, he is also a Navy veteran, a 24-year member of VFW Post 5350, a retired 25-year member of the Westhampton Beach Fire Department, and sits as president of the trustees at the Westhampton Beach Presbyterian Church.

With the state recognition, Williams is now in the running to become the national VFW Teacher of the Year.