Spotlight on: Caroline Lampert
September 2024 High School Teacher of the Month
The Student Council decides monthly student and teacher awards with a specific category each month. The category for September 2024 was leadership.
The Senior Student of the Month awards go to two seniors per month who are nominated and voted on by Student Council members in grades 9-11.
The High School Teacher of the Month award goes to one teacher per month who is nominated and voted on by Student Council members in grades 9-12. All Teachers of the Month become eligible to become Teacher of the Year in June.
The September 2024 Senior Students of the Month are Rory Clanton and Anjali Saugh. The September 2024 High School Teacher of the Month is Caroline Lampert.
Read a Q&A with Caroline Lampert below.
Q. How does it feel to be recognized as Teacher of the Month for your leadership?
A. It feels great to be recognized, but honestly, I’m very fortunate to have students in National Honor Society and civics who are natural leaders themselves.
Q. In your opinion, what qualities define an effective leader in the classroom or school community?
A. Setting a good example, listening and responding constructively to student ideas and concerns, providing the resources students need to be successful.
Q. Can you share a moment where your leadership made a positive impact on students or colleagues?
A. Civics has been such a terrific addition to our school, thanks to the initiative and hard work of Ms. Tomaso and Mrs. Scalise. I saw the previous two years of civics students grow in confidence and community engagement that I know they will take with them into their adult lives. Whether it was working with the village and Chief Jory to get a traffic law changed, or successfully applying for a grant to improve Harmon Park, that sense of accomplishment and pride I saw in these students makes me so happy!
Q. Who has influenced or shaped your leadership approach in education?
A. I have terrific colleagues who are advisors, coaches and administrators who work hard to inspire and motivate students each and every day. Ms. Tomaso was a big influence on me, both as a colleague in the social studies department and later as an administrator.
Q. How do you encourage leadership skills in your students?
A. I encourage them to think beyond themselves to make a difference each day, even if it’s just something small, like holding a door for someone. Character matters and is the foundation for all good leaders.
Q. What advice would you give to other educators looking to take on leadership roles within their school or district?
A. Be willing to model the behaviors you want to see in your students. Encourage discussion and reflection and give constructive feedback. Be the students’ biggest cheerleader! 🙂