Spotlight on: Laura Scalise
November 2025 High School Teacher of the Month
The Student Council decides monthly student and teacher awards with a specific category each month. The category for November 2025 was “most involved” for students and teachers.
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 November 2025 Senior Students of the Month are Amelia Brown and Sarah Huyck, and the November 2025 High School Teacher of the Month is Laura Scalise.
Below is a Q&A with Laura Scalise:
–
Q. What areas of school life have you been most engaged in recently (such as mentoring, clubs or committees)?
A. Student Council, coaching and teaching.
–
Q. What motivates you to dedicate your time and energy to so many aspects of the school community?
A. I love what I do and enjoy seeing the students in different aspects of school life. This is a way I feel I can be influential and inspire students to love their life, love who they are and push them to be the best version of themselves.
–
Q. How do you maintain balance between your classroom duties and your other school commitments?
A. It is definitely a lot of work, but I’ve found that I thrive when I’m busy. Staying active and involved helps me stay focused and organized. When I have clear goals each day, I feel productive and successful. Having multiple responsibilities actually motivates me to manage my time effectively and maintain balance.
–
Q. What experience this month has been especially rewarding for you as an involved educator?
A. Our young people are truly incredible! This month, I’ve been especially inspired by how many students consistently do the right thing, even when they think no one notices. They often underestimate the impact of their actions, but it’s significant. I love seeing their excitement when they’re passionate about something – especially when they take initiative and follow through on their commitments. It’s moments like those that remind me why I love being an educator.
–
Q. How do you think your active participation benefits your students, colleagues or the broader school culture?
A. I hope it has a positive impact of letting my students and colleagues know that I am a person they can talk to and this is a place where they are safe and accepted.
–
Q. What advice would you share with teachers who want to become more involved in their school community?
A. It is a great way to get to know our student population, which is very rewarding. I also believe it helps with classroom management and connecting with students.
–
Q. Who or what has provided the most encouragement or support for your involvement beyond teaching?
A. My family. They understand that I love my job. I love to coach. They are willing to pick up the pieces at home, so I can be here at school. I am so grateful. I had many great role models throughout my life who shaped me into who I am today.
–
Q. What are your hopes or goals for future participation and leadership within the school or educational community?
A. To continue to be a positive role model and leader and inspire others to get involved more in our community. It’s good for the soul.