English educator Mrs. De Santis has been named Becton Regional High School’s Teacher of the Year for the 2018-19 school year.

Mrs. De Santis, an alumna of Becton’s Class of 1998, has been teaching at her alma mater for 17 years. In addition to her teaching position, she has been the advisor of the school’s student newspaper, the Cat’s Eye View, for 14 years.

Mrs. De Santis describes her teaching style as “firm and fair with a sprinkle of fun.” One of her favorite aspects of teaching is watching students grow academically throughout high school. As much as her students learn from her in the classroom every day, the teacher has also learned lessons from the kids that she carries with her in her day-to-day life. “They have taught me to persevere and not worry so much about the small stuff,” she said.

A favorite role in the building for the English teacher was acting as a moderator for Girls Helping Girls, a school club where female students organize events to raise money for women in need and become well-rounded individuals. “I love helping others and at the same time trying to inspire and empower young females,” the teacher commented.

The teacher also enjoys staying active in the Becton community outside of high school. She attends community events to cover stories for the Cat’s Eye View and can also be found at activities such as school concerts and fundraisers and has chaperoned the school prom for the past decade.

Mrs. De Santis recounts that working with her colleagues in the English Department and collaborating ideas with them has been her best form of professional development.

A fond memory that she has of Becton is helping plan a retirement party for former Becton English teacher Miss Mezzadri, who she also refers to as one of her role models. Outside of school, her biggest role model is her older sister, who she states “has a successful career as a CPA and at the same time, is a wonderful mother of three.”

“My time spent at Becton has been an incredible learning experience, both professionally and personally,” said Becton’s Teacher of the Year. “There have been plenty of times that my students have turned a mediocre day around by making me laugh. I have also had some of the greatest memories with my colleagues and consider a lot of them to be like family.”

One of Mrs. De Santis’ proudest accomplishments is earning her Master’s Degree in School Counseling while teaching.