Congratulations to Pamela Eighmie, a math teacher at Schenectady High School, was named the Schenectady City School District 2025 Teacher of the Year on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Superintendent Dr. Carlos M. Cotto, Jr., made the surprise announcement at Schenectady High School with Eighmie’s family members, students, and colleagues present.
“I am pleased and proud to announce that Pam Eighmie has been selected as our district’s Teacher of the Year,” said Dr. Cotto. “This is a significant honor, as our district employs over 900 teachers, and Ms. Eighmie stands out as an extraordinary educator and leader who deeply cares about her students and the community.” Dr. Cotto added, “Ms. Eighmie is a passionate teacher who consistently goes above and beyond, demonstrating a genuine investment in the success and well-being of each of her students. The numerous letters and accounts submitted on her behalf highlight the profound and lasting impact she has on those she teaches. Please join me in congratulating Ms. Eighmie on this well-deserved recognition.”
Eighmie has been teaching math in the Schenectady City School District for 26 years. She’s built relationships and has had a lasting impact on the hundreds of students that she has taught over the years. Students say that her classroom is welcoming, calm, a safe space, and a haven where they always feel supported. Students describe Eighmie as generous, selfless, attentive, kind, caring, and an amazing teacher. Many shared that they respect Eighmie and that she changes every life she touches. Colleagues laud her ability to connect with students.
Rachel Bradt, a former student who graduated in 2006 tells how she walked into a math class in 2001 and had no idea that she would be taught by “one of the most influential people she would ever meet.” “I sat down, knowing I hated math and that this was going to be another year of asking questions to distract the teacher from a lesson, I wasn’t going to understand,” she said. Bradt shared that her teacher had other plans. “She was going to teach,” added Bradt. “And she did.”
"I am fortunate to have been a student of Ms. Eighmie’s,” said Bradt. “I’m also grateful ... for all the ways having a dedicated and committed teacher have changed my life for the better.” Bradt referred to Eighmie as ‘teacher of a lifetime.’
“She is a wonderful teacher because she treats her students as if they are her own kids,” said Aniyah Lassiter. “She helped me find the right mindset and build confidence. She has made math easier to understand.” Lassiter said she’s more than a teacher to her. She goes to Eighmie when she has a problem. “Ms Eighmie is a teacher that every student should have because she always makes time,” said Lassiter. She added that Eighmie is patient, gets to know every student and makes them feel welcome.
“Mrs. Eighmie is driven, motivated, generous, selfless, attentive and many more things,” said Ariante Carter, a member of the SHS Class of 2018. In a letter to her teacher, Carter told Eighmie, “you always made sure your room was open to me. You gave me drive and love for math. I appreciate all that you’ve done for me and Schenectady High School students. Thank you for never giving up no matter what battle was brought to you.”
Former student Madison Richards said Eighmie is “the most amazing person I met throughout my high school career.” She wrote in a letter, “You have been the biggest influence and just like a second mom to me. Teachers like you are the reason I like coming to school.”
Terell Bethea, former student who knew Eighmie as a substitute teacher in middle school and whose son had her in high school wrote a glowing letter. “Mrs. Eighmie has an uncanny ability to communicate with both students and staff members ... Students that didn’t have her as a teacher wished they did, and the student who did, didn’t want to disappoint her.” Bethea said, “Her love and dedication to her students was so respected by me and all my friends that we improved our grades in math, but also in other classes as well.”
Bethea said Eighmie was instrumental in helping her get on track to graduate from high school. “Now my son is in college and I’m forever grateful to Mrs. Eighmie,” added Betha. “I’m happy she’s finally getting her flowers.”
Toshina Romgobin, Schenectady High School Senior, said “she is more than just a teacher. She has been a source of kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support.” Romgobin said when she started at the high school she felt out of place and feared she wouldn’t belong. That changed when she met Eighmie. “Everything started to feel different,” said Romgobin. “She had this way of making you feel like you mattered, no matter how out of place you may have felt. Mrs. Eighmie’s patience, understanding, and belief in her students make even the hardest days seem manageable. She has a way of making people feel seen and valued.” Romgobin said Eighmie’s helpfulness, encouragement, and kind soul have left a lasting impression on everyone who’s been lucky enough to learn from her.
Even the spouse of a former student wrote a letter to share the impact that Eighmie had on her husband. Hannah Ross said that her husband “likely would not have made it to college if it wasn’t for Ms. Eighmie.” “I have heard about her influence on my husband for as long as I can remember, “said Ross. “She helped him realize his potential to be more than he thought he was and reset the course of his life.” He now has a family and a career in research science.
Eighmie’s colleagues say she is supportive, a mentor, passionate, compassionate and has a unique ability to connect with students. “Her knowledge, consistency and willingness to support students through challenges have made her one of the district’s most loved and respected teachers,” said Brian Ledbetter, My Brother’s Keeper Program Specialist who is also a former student of Eighmie. Ledbetter shared that he struggled with math and how Eighmie worked with him and his strengths. “I am just one example of the countless students that have benefited from crossing paths with Ms. Eighmie.
Wendy Ausfeld, assistant principal/IB coordinator at Schenectady High School said Eighmie is a person that brings light and energy to every conversation in every room. “She radiates positivity and the most amazing can-do attitude,” said Ausfeld. “Ms. Eighmie truly believes every student has the capacity to grow as a learner and treats all in her presence with kindness and equity. She has the ability to make students feel welcome while still instilling very high expectations and accountability.”
Pamela DiMezza, a colleague math teacher, and a parent of Schenectady High School students said that Eighmie always goes above and beyond. “Since the first day I met her, Ms. Eighmie has stressed the importance of getting to know our students past the content we teach,” said DiMezza. “Her commitment to teaching the whole student makes her such a successful teacher. Her positive relationship with students keeps them coming to her for support both in and out of the classroom.”
DiMezza said Eighmie embodies the district motto “Everybody Counts, Everybody Learns” and inspires everyone around her to believe in it too. “She is defined by her passion and commitment to the present, past, and future,” added DiMezza.
Anne-Marie Warren, Special Education Co-Teacher, has known Eighmie for 12 years and co-taught with her for the past nine. “Pam emulates the characteristics of an excellent leader,” said Warren. “She inspires passion and motivation in her colleagues through collaboration. This committed educator will continue to make a difference in the lives of her students and colleagues every day for the rest of her career.”
“Not only is she an amazing teacher, but as my mentor she has taught me more in our few months together than I ever learned about teaching in graduate school,” said Alexander Cook, math teacher at Schenectady High School. “She is 100 percent invested in her students and coworkers and has fostered a community that promotes personal and educational growth. As a colleague I have the utmost respect for her and much like her students, she has promoted the confidence in me to become a better teacher for my students just as she has hers.”
As the Schenectady Teacher of the Year, Eighmie is eligible to enter the New York State Teacher of the Year contest.”
