PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The August Teacher of the Month is 18 Degrees prekindergarten teacher Celia Armstrong. 

 

The Teacher of the Month series runs for the next nine months in partnership with Berkshire Community College.

 

Armstrong has been working in the education field for the last four years, getting her start as a substitute at 18 Degrees. 

 

She was looking for a position that would provide flexible hours while she attended Berkshire Community College and was referred to 18 Degrees by a friend. She began working at the nonprofit family support organization full time and fell in love with the job. She is now continuing to study education at BCC. 

 

Armstrong has been the lead teacher for the prekindergarten classroom for about a year and a half. 

 

"I like getting to know all the kids and kind of teaching them you know about themselves and loving themselves," she said. 

 

"...We're such a community-based agency so, working with the community and helping these families I guess that's what I love."

 

While working at 18 Degrees, Armstrong has learned a lot — from what child development should look like to the importance of play. 

 

It is important that the students are having fun and everything else comes next, she said. She hopes that she makes a difference to every one of her pupils. 

 

Parents, co-workers and the children praised Armstrong's organization, commitment to the students, and fun personality. 

 

"Every day Celia goes to work with a plan. A plan to guide, teach, role model, respect and have fun. She provides a safe and caring place where children can thrive," parent and nominator Jolene Soules said. 

 

"Best of all, she does it every day with an amazing smile on her face. Thank you Celia for educating our young people."

 

Teaching assistant Shavon Polidoro echoed these remarks expressing that she is a wonderful and organized teacher that she has learned a lot from.  

 

"I recently started in her class and I have been very comfortable because she's always got everything prepped beforehand and it calls for a good flowing day throughout the day," Polidoro said. 

 

Parent and nominator Jacqueline Pagan said Armstrong goes above and beyond and is "outstanding" with their son. 

 

Armstrong is taken back whenever she sees the impact her presence has on the classroom. Whenever she returns to the classroom following a brief absence or vacation she is always amazed by how excited the students get to see her.