Suffolk Times Educator of the Year: Ms. Douglas

Emma Mulhall

January 2022

Every January for more than three decades, The Suffolk Times releases the People of the Year awards in seven categories: Person of the Year, Public Servant of the Year, Educator of the Year, Businessperson of the Year, Community Leader of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year, and Northforker Person of the Year. These prestigious awards highlight some of the many great people that help to make the Northfork a unique place.

These get awarded to members of the community who’s “service, dedication, and perseverance” deserve to be recognized. This year, Greenport High School’s very own Ms. Douglass was awarded The Suffolk Times’ Educator of the Year after being nominated by those in the community.

Ms. Douglas has been a fixture of the Greenport community well before her years as a teacher. As a graduate of the school she offers a unique glimpse into what makes Greenport such a special place.

How does it feel to be educator of the year?

In a word, overwhelming. I feel this overwhelming sense of pride, accomplishment, responsibility, and gratitude. To be recognized for the work that you do feels amazing, but with that comes the responsibility of making sure that you keep providing those opportunities while expanding on them and fixing what needs to be fixed.

What was your first reaction to finding out you won this title?

Shock. I received a text congratulating me and I had no idea what the person was talking about. I thought the Suffolk Times was recognizing all teachers after the incredibly difficult 2021 teaching year. He had to call to tell me to open up my Suffolk Times digital copy. Reading the article brought me to tears. Tara Smith completely encapsulated me and everything I am about with the help of the people she interviewed, my chosen family. I can’t believe that they were able to keep the surprise.

Has your teaching style changed over your years at GHS? If so, in what ways would you say?

I honestly don’t think my style of teaching has changed. As a special education teacher I have always been student first, meet them where they are at. I may use more technology and do more paperwork, but the basic philosophy/belief remains the same.

What is your main teaching philosophy/belief?

I believe that all students can be successful if given the right tools and that success can look like a lot of different things. I believe that my students can teach me just as much as I can teach them.

In your opinion why do you think you got this award?

I may not be the person holding the microphone, but I am the person that is always there. I think that makes me approachable. Students, teachers, and parents aren’t afraid to reach out to me because they know that I am always available and ready to listen. I think that they appreciate that.

What are your hopes for the future as a teacher at GHS?

I hope that GHS can maintain its sense of family/community. Greenport has always been my home. The people that walk the halls are my family. I am teaching at the same school I graduated from for a reason and I am not alone. Look at Mrs. Agosta, Mr. Sage, Mrs. Dlhopolsky- we are all here for a reason. Our building showed us such support and love that we wanted to come back and give the same. We are not just a building or a school, we are family.

Who would you say is your biggest influence?

The list of previously chosen educators for this award include Dr. Kozora, Dr. Claire, and Mr. McEvoy. These are people that I have looked up to forever. They are people that rooted for the underdog and maintained their Porter pride throughout their entire careers and beyond. In my day to day teaching I also look to the people I teach with. We all bring something different to the table, all with its own value. We have an incredible staff that I am so fortunate to be a part of.

Would you like to say anything to your students?

We all have a place, we all have value, we all matter. You may not know what your calling is now, but if you keep working you will figure it out and be able to achieve anything. Show up, do the right thing, and by all means do not give up!

A very big congratulations to Ms. Douglass for receiving Educator of the Year 2021. Thank you for all you have done for Greenport High School and its students!