WLC teacher in running for Teacher of the Year

Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative teacher Andrew Tyler has been chosen as one of six semi-finalists for the 2022 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year Award.

“I was stunned and really honored,” said Tyler, who teaches computer science at WLC Middle High School. “It’s a really nice recognition.”

Tyler was nominated last year by Superintendent Peter Weaver and Middle/High School Principal Sarah Edmunds, who were principal and assistant principal of the middle/high school at the time. 

“Andrew is one of the kindest and most student-centered teachers I’ve ever met,” Edmunds said. “He’s constantly looking for ways to engage his students and meet them where they are. He’s hilarious, he keeps them laughing – he’s just a joy to work with.” She also noted his accomplishments outside of the classroom, including his starting of robotics clubs for both the middle and high school level, and his co-founding of the school’s Dungeons and Dragons club.

Tyler said that talking about these sorts of accomplishments has been somewhat difficult – the process has required him to present himself to the Selection Committee in a way he’s not used to.

“It was quite an interesting practice of advocating, or, talking about myself, which is not a typical thing – to kind of talk about the things I’m proud of and things like that and kind of bragging in that way,” he said. “They’re looking for, honestly, the things that you’re really proud of, that you feel define you as a teacher.”

Moving forward, Tyler interviewed with the Committee Wednesday morning, in a format that he said was reminiscent of a job interview in structure. He said questions for this included topics about adapting to COVID-19 and important aspects of teaching style. 

Once the round of interviews are complete, the Selection Committee will choose finalists and visit their schools before choosing the Award Recipient.

“It’s still surreal,” said Tyler. “This is such new territory for me.”

“Moving forward, we hope that he moves forward in this process, but we’re proud of him no matter what,” said Edmunds. “Our little school doesn’t often get much acknowledgement, but we have a great little team here, and this really cements that for us and hopefully it cements it for the whole community.”

“We’re so excited for him,” Edmunds added. “I know the kids are proud of him.”

Tyler said that his students have been excited about the process. “A lot of my students are like, ‘Well, yeah, you should win,’” he said. “It’s really wonderful. honestly, their support means the world to me, and that kind of feedback makes me feel like I’m doing things okay.”

Weaver said that Tyler’s nomination was important to him last year and he’s happy to see the district getting recognition. “It speaks to the whole district, because he really represents us as a whole and not just himself,” Weaver said. “Even small districts have really quality and invested educators, and I think it’s important that the community sees that – they’re right here in our school community, and we should celebrate them.”

“Andrew is so deserving,” Weaver added. “I’m really  happy for him, and I’m going to root for him.”