Teacher of the Month: Emily Moulton

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Over the last six years, Emily Moulton has become the honorary "mom" of the Drury High School community. 

 

In her role as the dean of students for the therapeutic programs and specialized programs-secondary level coordinator, students said she has created a positive and supportive environment, which has earned her the iBerkshires Teacher of the Month designation. 

 

The Teacher of the Month series, in collaboration with Berkshire Community College, features distinguished teachers nominated by community members. You can nominate a teacher here. 

 

Moulton's day to day work as an educator is much different from the average teacher, she said. 

 

"It is extremely empowering to know that you can be part of somebody's story. The goal for us is to create a safe and welcoming environment that welcomes every student to school and makes them want to come to school," Moulton said. 

 

"To be a part of that process and then give them skills to take out into the real world … is something that we take very seriously and we hold that close to our hearts."

 

In her role as the specialized programs-secondary level coordinator, Moulton works directly with about 15 students helping them with coursework, practical life skills, such as job searching and understanding pay, and provides social-emotional support.

 

Moulton oversees the school's T2 social-emotional and behavioral support program, which allows students to temporarily leave their regular classrooms for additional support before returning to class. 

 

She also works with the T3 substantially separate program and serves as dean of students for both programs.

 

"A lot of our focus is on building self-confidence skills, building resiliency skills, learning how to navigate peers and peer conflicts and different social situations that will allow us to be more present in our learning and in our environments," Moulton said. 

 

In these roles, she coordinates with the students' teachers to ensure they are getting the resources that best align with their learning styles and meet their needs, Moulton said.  

 

"I'm very blessed. I have a great staff that I work with. Each program is staffed with not only myself, but a couple of teachers, a couple of behavior technicians, and a couple of teaching assistants," she said. 

 

"We are all able to put our minds together and be supported by not only the student but also each other. So, having all of those people in one spot and all of that brain power is really successful in helping students navigate what their day and what their academics look like." 

 

As a dean, Moulton shares her "bright" demeanor with the Drury community, encouraging students to come to school, resolve peer conflict, and build relationships, students said. 

 

She can be seen throughout the school, whether it's peeking into classrooms, in the lunch room, or welcoming students in the morning. 

 

"I would say the impact she has on the students is that students come in more regularly happy than unhappy, usually because of how bright and positive she is … she has gone leaps and bounds for us … she puts others before herself," said senior Aiden Rawson. 

 

Moulton emphasized the importance of building genuine relationships with students by meeting them where they are and creating an environment where they feel comfortable being themselves.

 

She said being authentic with the students helps build trust and meaningful connections creating a safe, welcoming environment where students feel supported. 

 

Eighth-grade student Marie Fachini said Moulton is always available to listen when students are having a difficult day and provides a judgment-free environment. 

 

"It's kind of like a school mom. She's just someone that will always be there for you, shows respect, and just cares for you no matter what's happening," eighth-grader Stephanie Lacasse added.  

 

Freshman Teyvon Notchick said Moulton has had a significant impact on his life by providing emotional support during difficult times and helping resolve conflicts with peers.

 

He recalled an incident in seventh grade when Moulton intervened after another student repeatedly picked on them and their friends.

 

She is keeping the "community better and safer," Notchick said. 

 

He also praised Moulton for accommodating students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including providing a space where they can take breaks, access necessary resources, and receive additional support throughout the school day.

 

Freshman Ian Nye said Moulton helps him stay motivated to attend school, provides support when he is struggling, and reminds him of the importance of staying on track toward graduation.