Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School art teacher Heather McCutcheon was honored on Tuesday, Sept. 14, by the New York State Education Department and New York State United Teachers as a finalist for New York State Teacher of the Year.
She was one of five finalists from around the state in the spring.
McCutcheon – who has been in the district for 15 years – said in May that it meant a lot to be nominated, and the district, the arts, and her students had an opportunity to shine.
“I always like to learn and share that passion with students. Herkimer is my home, the arts are my passion, and sharing these things with the students, the community and the world is what has made this possible,” she said.
“I am always looking for new opportunities for our students at Herkimer to learn and grow. I would not be here without the wonderful support of the Board of Education, Mr. Miller, Mr. Abbe, Ms. Tomaso and all of the amazing colleagues. I love working with other teachers, and collaborating to find these new opportunities to learn is one of my favorites.”