The Teacher of the Year for 2025 is math teacher, Ms. Danielle Vila. With eight years of teaching experience, Ms. Villa has taught every single level of math and currently serves as the yearbook advisor. Her journey to teaching began early and was shaped by years of classroom experience and a passion for teaching.
When asked what inspired her to be a teacher, Ms. Villa said, “I’ve wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. Even as a kid, I’d set up a chalkboard and pretend to teach my siblings. That passion only grew stronger, especially when I realized how rewarding it was to help students gain confidence in math.” She also reflected on the teachers who inspired her saying “My high school math teachers made learning feel approachable and never made anyone feel small for making mistakes. That kind of environment is what I aim to create in my own classroom.”
On the subject of her own classroom environment, Ms. Villa shared, “Relationships come first. When students feel respected and supported, they’re more likely to take risks and stay engaged. I focus on making learning meaningful and helping students see that mistakes are part of growth.”
Ms. Vila had advice to share for new teachers, including, “Give yourself grace. You won’t know everything right away, and that’s okay. Build relationships, stay open to learning, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.” She said that early in her career she might have focused too much on covering material, instead of on how students were processing it. Now she slows down, asks more questions, and gives students time to think and explain their reasoning.
Even a Teacher of the Year has struggles, or tough moments in school. Regarding them, Ms. Vila said that her strategies are the following: “I take time to rest and reflect, whether that means stepping back, leaning on a colleague, or focusing on small wins. A supportive school community makes a huge difference.”
Looking ahead at the future of her teaching career, Ms. Vila said she is working toward becoming a school administrator, so she can support both teachers and students, and make a positive impact beyond her own classroom.
Asked about how she wants students to remember their time in her class, Ms. Villa replied, “That I genuinely cared about them, not just as students but as people. I want them to leave my class feeling respected and more confident in themselves.”
Ms. Villa said, “It means so much, especially since I started here as a student teacher. It feels like a full-circle moment, and I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive, hardworking community.”
Sewanhaka High School is proud to recognize Ms. Villa for her dedication, compassion, and the lasting impact she continues to make on her students.
