Mrs. McDermott is a high school teacher at New Hartford Senior High. She came to the senior high in 2024, after working at Hughes Elementary school.
“I became a teacher because I enjoy helping others,” Mrs. McDermott said.
“I think she is an amazing teacher,” says senior Julianna Allen. “Mrs. McDermott helps me with everything. She has made me like coming to school. She put her students before herself and makes everyone feel very welcome in her space”
Ms. Ellis works closely with Mrs. McDermott and admires her character and personality.
“The first time I met Mrs. McDermott, I knew we would get along great within the first five minutes,” Ms. Ellis said. “I could tell what an amazing person she was.”
Ms. Ellis went on to say, “I would describe Mrs. McDermott as kind, loving, generous and selfless. She is an incredible teacher and students embrace being in her presence. Every student Mrs. McDermott interacts with feels empowered to achieve their fullest potential.”
Mrs. McDermott went to New Hartford High School and graduated in 1995. Then, she went to Plattsburgh State for her undergraduate degree. She continued her education at the College of Saint Rose where she completed her master’s degree in special education.
When asked what is different about school now from when she attended she said, “The biggest difference is technology. When I went to school, technology was not part of our everyday life. There were no smartboards, chromebooks, social media, not even cell phones!”
Mrs. McDermott’s advice for all students is, “work hard even when things are challenging. With a good work ethic, you can accomplish anything!”
