It is with great pleasure that we announce Amy Godek as the 2026 District Teacher of the Year. Ms. 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 Ms. Godek’s nomination, writing, “Amy is an exceptional educator, advocate, and collaborator for some of the most complex and medically fragile learners in our district.”
For many children, Ms. Godek is their first teacher in the Cumberland School District, beginning an educational journey that may continue through age 22. She recognizes the importance of building a strong early foundation and approaches her work with extraordinary dedication, compassion, and expertise.
Her classroom supports students with significant developmental, communication, and medical needs. Ms. Godek consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every child has meaningful access to learning. 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.
Ms. Godek leads a classroom team that includes two paraprofessionals and fosters a collaborative environment where all staff feel valued and empowered. 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:
“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 M. Gilbert also praised Ms. 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.”
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Godek is an active member of the Cumberland Special Education Advisory Committee (CSEAC), where 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, Ms. Godek has strengthened collaboration between community providers and the school district.
In this role, she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to build trust with families from their very first interaction. 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.
Ms. 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.
This recognition came as a complete surprise to Amy, “I can say with certainty this is my DREAM job and I love being here in Cumberland, my hometown, with my AMAZING SMILES students. It’s a blessing to wake up every day and be excited to go to work. I am humbled to be recognized for doing the job that brings me such joy.”
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!
