Ms. Desmond was voted Teacher-of-the-Year for the second time during her 23 years at Gateway! She is a pillar of Gateway’s English department and wider community.
Ms. Desmond teaches AP English Language and Composition, English 12 Honors, and English 10 Honors. Additionally, she’s the advisor to the Book Club and Young Feminist. Book Club just celebrated its 20th anniversary, which you can read about here. Meanwhile, Young Feminist started last year but has already grown into a strong, supportive community! Ms. Desmond is also a member of the school improvement committee, truly showing her dedication to Gateway!
When asked why she was so involved at Gateway, Ms. Desmond said, “[It provides] more opportunities to connect with students as people and create opportunities for students when you can’t in a classroom…Also I can explore other interests outside of being a teacher. You can be personally inspired.”
Those opportunities that Ms. Desmond works tirelessly to create are absolutely amazing! Over her 30 years of teaching, she has exposed students to culture outside the classroom, whether that be art, plays, or literature.
Ms. Desmond won Teacher-of-the-Year first in 2007 and then again nearly 20 years later. This meant a lot to her to see that she’s still improving and in touch with the school as she gets further into her career.
“I’m really honored because Gateway has a lot of great teachers so it means a lot. I’m very surprised,” She said, “It’s also amazing to get it in 2007, there is the stereotypes of older teachers being stuck in their ways, but to get it at the beginning of my career and now nearly 20 years later means I’m still improving”
Working with students can be difficult; everything is constantly changing. But Ms. Desmond said that it’s actually her favorite part, “You get to do it every year. Every year you get a chance to be better. It’s always changing, which can be challenging but also it’s never boring, you can be very creative. Seeing growth over time is very rewarding.”
Gateway is lucky to have a teacher so committed to the constant improvement of herself and of her students! Teacher-of-the-Year is a wonderful way to honor Ms. Desmond. Stop by in 413 to congratulate her (but make sure you aren’t disturbing her teaching). Here’s to many more years of Ms. Desmond at Gateway!
Check back next month to hear about the Professional of the Year, Mr. Reim.
