Visions Federal Credit Union has named Windsor Central High School teacher Jeff Nolan its Educator of the Year. Nolan is one of three recipients of this honor in Visions’ tri-state footprint of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
“It’s pretty humbling. It’s great to be recognized because of a lot of the struggles so many educators have gone through the past couple of years. This blew me out of the water. I’m very grateful,” said Nolan.
It took a minute for the honor to sink in for Nolan.
“When I opened (the envelope) up, I thought it was one of those fake lotto scratch-off tickets my kids have gotten me for Christmas. I was really wowed,” said Nolan.
Nolan teaches Physical Education and WCHS’ Principles of Biomedical Science course. He is also the Black Knights’ varsity wrestling coach. In this role, Nolan organizes the annual Windsor Christmas Wrestling Tournament, also known as “The Tournament of Champions”, the oldest wrestling tournament in the state. The event brings together dozens of teams and hundreds of athletes from multiple states.
“For me, I’m pretty lucky. I get to start my day in the gym where my teaching passion started, then I get to go downstairs in the classroom. I get to see kids in different environments,” said Nolan.
Visions seeks to honor educators who go above and beyond to support their classrooms and communities. In choosing their award winners, Visions asks peers and students to nominate teachers. Among the qualities nominees must show are passion for teaching, classroom success, desire for professional growth, community involvement, and dedication to their profession.
“It was something new we added this year. We wanted to highlight an educator who really does everything inside the classroom, outside the classroom, and reward them for something they are passionate about,” said Mandy DeHate, AVP of Marketing for Visions FCU. “Teachers can blend in behind the scenes. It’s important that these educators get recognized for everything they do. They are a big part of these students’ lives.”
“When you put your passion into something and someone tells you you’re doing a good job, it feels great,” said Nolan. “Teachers getting recognized, it’s always a good thing.”