On Thursday, June 3rd, at the Drury High School Commencement exercises, the North Adams Public Schools honored Drury High School special education teacher, varsity softball coach, and North Adams Teachers Association co-president, Ms. Michelle Darling, with the annual Marion B. Kelley Teacher of the Year Award. Ms. Darling exemplifies teacher leadership, and her advocacy for her students and her education peers demonstrates her commitment to equity. It is an honor for the district to thank Ms. Darling and show her our appreciation by presenting her this year’s award.
This award, named in honor of the late Marion B. Kelley, a former North Adams teacher and principal, is presented to teachers in recognition of their dedicated, skillful teaching, understanding of children, and exemplification of the “ideal” teacher. Mrs. Kelley taught in the North Adams school system from 1929 until 1936 when she married and had to leave the school system because state law prohibited married women from teaching. She rejoined the school system as a teacher in 1945 and retired in 1978 as principal of Haskins and Johnson schools.
Annually, a teacher is nominated for this award by fellow North Adams Public Schools’ employees and selected by the District Administration. As the recipient of the award, Ms. Darling will receive a $100.00 gift certificate that she may use for supplies in the classroom.
Congratulations Ms.Darling!