Henry P. Becton Regional High School proudly congratulates math teacher Mr. Kyle Mendelsohn on being named the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year! Mr. Mendelsohn is an invaluable member of the Becton staff, consistently going above and beyond as both a colleague and a mentor to his students.
Grateful for this recognition, Mr. Mendelsohn reflects on his achievement, saying, ‘I consider myself a humble person who doesn’t express extreme emotions, but I have to admit, this recognition feels really rewarding.”
Mr. Mendelsohn’s path to teaching was not linear; in college, he explored various career opportunities ranging from finance to engineering. Both opportunities –in which he was immersed in mathematics– eventually led Mr. Mendelsohn to the field of teaching where he began as a middle school math teacher in 2000. As he puts it, “I immediately knew I had found my calling. Teaching middle school math felt natural, and it solidified my decision to pursue this career.”
Now, a typical day for Mr. Mendelsohn at BRHS starts early, preparing for his numerous classes he meets throughout the day. Thoroughness is a top priority when it comes to making each lesson he teaches as effective as possible, “I review the material my students are learning and figure out the best way to present it clearly and effectively. I prefer to break lessons into smaller, manageable chunks – teaching a concept and then reinforcing it through classwork or homework. This approach helps make the material more digestible for students,” explains Mr. Mendelsohn.
Mr. Mendelsohn’s thoughtful approach to learning starts by building on what his students already know. He aims to bridge the gap between new concepts and students’ prior knowledge, setting up a strong foundation to transition to more advanced material. His attention to organization and structure are part of Mr. Mendelsohn’s core values both inside and outside of the classroom. He insightfully notes, “A good math class emphasizes structure and procedure, teaching students the importance of following rules to achieve success. This skill applies beyond math – whether it’s cooking or solving real-world problems. Math teaches students how to analyze situations, determine priorities and create effective plans, which are valuable life skills.”
Fellow math teacher Ms. Lauren Bayersdorfer, who joined the Becton Regional family just two years ago, was quick to notice the unmistakable dedication of Mr. Mendelsohn both as a colleague and as an educator. She notes his effortless ability to collaborate with herself and other staff through his thoughtful support and guidance. Ms. Bayserdorfer also notes his kindness and connection with his students, explaining, “I always see him working one-on-one with students, before, during and after school.” Mr. Mendelsohn’s drive to assist his students highlights his passion for ensuring his students’ successes, as Ms. Bayersdorfer observed, describing him as “a very positive, supportive, and hardworking guy!”
Guidance Counselor Mrs. Victoria De Santis, who shares the spotlight with Mr. Mendelsohn in her recent naming as the 2024-2025 Educational Service Provider of the Year, has nothing but positive remarks for her colleague. She highlights Mr. Mendelsohn’s role as a dedicated educator—working with students, administering the Accuplacer, and teaching supplemental math courses to ensure students’ educational needs are met with nothing but success. Mrs. De Santis emphasizes that Mr. Mendelsohn works tirelessly behind the scenes, offering support and encouragement to his students. She concludes with high praise, describing him as ‘always positive, flexible, and friendly!’
Looking ahead, Mr. Mendelsohn plans to continue teaching for about 10 more years before transitioning to a different industry. While teaching has profoundly shaped both his career and life, he looks forward to exploring new opportunities, embracing change, and continuing his pursuit of knowledge. Reflecting on his journey, he shares, “While my heart will always be in education, I’m excited to explore opportunities beyond the classroom.”
Mr. Mendelsohn’s dedication and expertise make him a valuable asset to both students and colleagues. His knowledge and guidance help students excel academically while developing confidence and curiosity. This is the kind of learning environment fostered at Becton Regional, made possible by the dedication and hard work of educators like Mr. Mendelsohn.
