Teacher of the Year
Dawn DeMeo
2022-2023 Cheshire Teacher of the Year
Cheshire Public Schools is excited to announce the selection of Dawn DeMeo as the 2022-2023 Cheshire Public Schools Teacher of the Year! Dawn is an English teacher at Cheshire High School where she teaches a variety of classes including AP Literature, Senior Literature, World Literature, and American Literature. She also teaches a Teen Leadership Course designed to push students to ‘grow in character and vision’ and develop the ability to collaborate, present themselves, and persevere through challenges. Dawn also works the full year to support all of the theater productions, and specifically directs the much anticipated annual Cheshire High School spring musical that rivals a Broadway show. She is known to create dynamic and exciting performances that have included a flying “Mary Poppins” and a steady rainfall, with puddles, for “Singing in the Rain”. Dawn makes every effort to create a safe, engaging and respectful environment for her students and, in 2020, was invited by students to be an advisor for the student group, Rams Against Racism. Last year, Dawn co-taught the inaugural African American, Black and Puerto Rican, Latino Studies course and led a student trip to Puerto Rico with her co-teacher to help bring this curriculum to life. Her passion for her students and curriculum is a driving factor in the success of these programs.
Dawn brings a wealth of knowledge and a global mindset to her teaching. In addition to a Bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College, Dawn earned certificates from Southern Connecticut State University and the University of Phoenix, and has completed additional coursework and intensive study at NYU and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. In her pursuit of continuous learning, Dawn has also studied Capoeira, an Afro-brazilian martial art, Latin forms of salsa, bachata, merengue, Axe, forró and samba which all have roots in the histories taught to our students. Dawn has also tackled hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro and working on Habitat for Humanities projects in Thailand.
Most recently, Dawn was named a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms award. Fulbright alumni include 60 Nobel Prize laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize recipients, and 40 who have served as a head of state or government. Dawn truly exemplifies what it means to be a teacher in a global community!
Dawn Demeo is an extremely skilled and accomplished teacher. Cheshire High School Assistant Principal said, “Ms. Demeo does not just expect excellence but creates an environment and provides the instruction that fosters the desire for her students to excel”. Dawn finds unique ways to connect to her students. For several years now, Dawn has created a practice, upon the dismissal of class, that allows her to make a one-to-one connection with each student upon exiting the room. This routine began with shaking each student’s hand and has evolved into personalized styles specific to her students. Over the last 20 years as a professional educator, it is clear to all that Dawn is a natural at instilling the love of learning in her students and supporting them in the classroom and on stage.
We are proud to recognize Dawn as this year’s Cheshire Teacher of the Year!
2023-2024 Teacher of the Year Nomination form