Bensalem Names High School Teacher Of The Year

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —Bensalem High School has its teacher of the year.

The Bensalem Township School District has announced that Chelsea Root, a special education instructor, is the winner of the BHS Teacher of the Year Award for 2022-23.

Root was selected over Christine Elberson and Elena Toselli, school officials said.

"Bensalem High School has amazing educators doing wonderful things, inspiring both students and colleagues alike," the school district said. "The BHS Teacher of the Year Award is a teacher-led initiative meant to acknowledge and recognize the amazing educators at Bensalem High School."

Root was announced at a high school pep rally Friday.

The school district said that the BHS Teacher of the Year is defined as:

“A dedicated educator who demonstrates commitment and passion for their craft. Earning the admiration of the faculty, administration, and students, this teacher challenges and engages students and is committed to their success —demonstrating a passion and joy of teaching that inspires the school community.”

To pick the winner, the Teacher of the Year committee created a process that involved teachers, students, and administrators. Each of the five building administrators initially nominated two teachers.

Teachers and students then voted, and three finalists were chosen. Following this process, the three finalists’ names were submitted to the BHS administrative team who, as a group, chose the winner, school officials said.

Root thanked the school community, saying the special education program receives an outpouring of support from administration, teachers, custodial staff, office staff, service providers, guidance counselors, school psychologists, nurses, librarians, cafeteria staff, etc.

"We would not be able to do so many of the projects that we do without this support,” said Root, who also acknowledged the support staff in her classroom and the teachers she works with each day.

"The level of dedication that these professionals have to our students is incredible. They are the backbone of this program and the reason that our program runs so smoothly each day,” she said.

Root also recognized the student workers from the transition program.

"These young men and women come in every day with a positive attitude and willingness to do whatever it takes to make BHS a better place to be for all of us," she said. "I am honored to work with them and can say that every day this group of students puts a smile on my face and teaches me something new. They are the reason why I look forward to coming to work. They deserve as much recognition (if not more) than I do for the work that is being done within our program.”