Teacher of the Year

2018 Winner

Joel Fisher

Sherman Central School, Sherman, N.Y.

Fire prevention is a cause that is close to Joel Fisher’s heart. Each year he organizes all of the local fire departments to come to the football field for a Fire Prevention Day.

On this day, all students from pre-kindergarten to sixth grade explore different fire trucks and learn about fire prevention from the firefighters. They also receive a prize of some type ranging from a water bottle to a backpack. The goals of this day are for students to become comfortable with firefighters and their uniforms, understand the equipment they use and better understand how they can do their part to prevent fires.

Mr. Fisher also teaches a summer school fire prevention program. In this program, he works with his colleagues to conduct a week-long course with a safety-related theme. Over the years, the activities of this week have ranged from visits to the neighboring safety village to a fire truck water slide.

Joel is also an exemplary teacher and role model in the school. He is the first one called to assist when the school nurse needs support. Further, if a fire call goes out where he is needed, he has arranged coverage to be able to leave school and fulfill his duties as a volunteer firefighter.

The administrators in his school feel blessed to have Joel as an amazing role model to the students. He is always willing to drop everything to help someone in need.

Firefighter Fisher lives less than a block from where he teaches and the fire department. He is always visible in the school and out in the community. As an added responsibility, Joel has dedicated himself to expanding the Sherman Fire Department by writing several successful grant applications.

Adapted from a nomination by Sherman Central School Principal Bryna Booth

FASNY invites communities and schools across the state to honor their best fire prevention educators with a nomination for Teacher of the Year. Each year, the FASNY Fire Prevention and Life Safety Committee recognizes a teacher with dedication to fire prevention and the safety of students and their families.

Past Award Recipients