CUMBERLAND – School officials say it is with great pleasure that they announce Amy Godek as 2026 District Teacher of the Year.
Godek has been an educator for 25 years, including the last six years teaching in the SMILES classroom at the Cumberland Preschool Center.
Principal Rachel Powell submitted Godek’s nomination.
“Amy is an exceptional educator, advocate, and collaborator for some of the most complex and medically fragile learners in our district,” she wrote.
For many children, Godek is their first teacher in town schools, beginning an educational journey that may continue through age 22, said Powell. Godek recognizes the importance of building a strong early foundation, she said, and approaches her work with extraordinary dedication, compassion, and expertise.
“Her classroom supports students with significant developmental, communication, and medical needs,” she said.
Godek told the School Committee last Thursday that it was an honor and a complete surprise to win the award, as evidenced by her being in pajamas. She said she was grateful for the recognition, and that after serving in many jobs over the years, this position in her hometown, working with her “amazing SMILES students” is a dream job.
“It’s a blessing to wake up every day and be excited to go to work,” she said. “I am humbled to be recognized for doing the job that brings me such joy.”
Godek said it is a blessing to be able to wake up each day excited to go to work. People say these children she works with are challenging, said Godek, but she finds them amazing, full of determination, motivation, and resilience. They are the most energetic, hardworking, and loving students int eh district, she said, facing unique challenges daily. Her challenge, she said, and to be a successful preschool teacher, is to understand that if the plan doesn’t work, “change the plan but not the goal.”
Godek said that just as it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes one to become teacher of the year. She said she’s so thankful for her colleagues and superiors for their support, mentorship, and confidence, as well as Supt. Phil Thornton and district administrators for backing their work. She said when she arrived in the district, she heard that the program wasn’t seen or celebrated, and that is no longer the case.
She also thanked her parents for instilling a strong work ethic, her husband for his balance, humor, and willingness to put up with everything that goes with her job, as well as “my miracle” son.
Godek “consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every child has meaningful access to learning, added her nominator. She skillfully adapts curriculum and differentiates instruction to meet each student’s unique needs, incorporating augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, sensory supports, and individualized learning strategies so every student can participate and communicate successfully.”
Godek leads a classroom team featuring two paraprofessionals and fostering a collaborative environment where all staff feel valued and empowered, stated a release from the district. She also works seamlessly with speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, and outside service providers to ensure students receive cohesive and comprehensive support throughout the school day.
Speech-language pathologist Cassandra Menard shared the following:
“Amy naturally creates an environment where all students are valued and respected. While some may see a classroom of students with intensive needs, Amy sees artists, scientists, and explorers. She focuses on students’ strengths, builds on their talents, and incorporates their interests to maximize engagement. The love, joy, and positivity she brings to her work are truly infectious.”
Occupational therapist Kim Gilbert also praised Godek’s collaborative approach:
“Amy’s understanding of each student’s individual needs, her willingness to seek collaboration, and her consistent follow-through make her an outstanding educator. She strengthens students’ growth and development through thoughtful daily support and teamwork,” she said.
Beyond the classroom, Godek is an active member of the Cumberland Special Education Advisory Committee (CSEAC), where colleagues say she brings a thoughtful and informed perspective to conversations about supporting students with disabilities.
This year, she also stepped into the leadership role of Early Childhood Early Intervention Content Leader, providing guidance and support during meetings with early intervention providers and district LEA teams. Drawing on her previous experience in private preschool education, Godek has strengthened collaboration between community providers and the school district, they said.
“In this role, she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to build trust with families from their very first interaction,” states a release. “She creates a welcoming and supportive environment where families feel heard, respected, and valued as partners in the educational process. Her compassion, clarity, and commitment help families feel confident as they navigate the next steps in their child’s educational journey.
Godek’s work “requires immense patience, skill, and heart. She is deeply committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to learn, communicate, and thrive. The extraordinary work of educators in specialized classrooms is often quiet and deeply individualized, but its impact is immeasurable. Amy Godek represents the very best of this work,” states the release.
Said school officials, “For her dedication to students with the most complex needs, her leadership within our school community, and her unwavering commitment to inclusive education, we are proud to name Amy Godek the 2026 District Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to Ms. Godek and the Cumberland Preschool Center.”
Other top teachers in the running this year included KaraBeth Houle, Ashton School reading specialist, Cassidy Carr, B.F. Norton kindergarten teacher, Elizabeth Dubois, Community School special educator, Ashley Lemieux, Cumberland Hill grade 4 teacher, Cara Lavallee, Garvin grade 2 teacher, Karen Yacino, McCourt ELA teacher, and Renee Torres, NCMS teacher.
