CONCORD, NH October 2, 2024 — Candice DeAngelis, a teacher at Bedford High School, has been honored as New Hampshire’s 2025 Teacher of the Year during a surprise celebration on Wednesday.
Out of 331 nominees, DeAngelis stood out for her infectious energy, her ability to fully engage her students, and her talent for making foreign language learning enjoyable.
With 18 years of teaching experience, DeAngelis has been a Spanish teacher at Bedford High School since 2016. Prior to that, she taught Spanish at Sanborn Regional High School in Kingston and held a temporary position at Londonderry High School.
Those who know Señora DeAngelis describe her as empathetic, approachable, and dedicated—a true role model. Today, we celebrate this remarkable educator who consistently goes above and beyond to make every lesson exciting, said Frank Edelblut, the state’s education commissioner. DeAngelis embodies what it means to be an outstanding teacher and will now serve as an ambassador for the exceptional educators across the state. We are fortunate to have a teacher whose enthusiasm is contagious and whose efforts make learning Spanish both entertaining and effective.
Mike Fournier, superintendent of the Bedford School District, praised DeAngelis as an exemplary educator. Her commitment to fostering a positive and nurturing environment makes her a valuable asset to our district. She is not just a treasure to our community but an inspiration to all her students, Fournier stated.
In her application essay, DeAngelis emphasized her belief in expressing appreciation for her students and creating lighthearted moments in her teaching. She noted that learning extends beyond just the subject matter, stating, I also teach grit, perseverance, and curiosity that foster deep-rooted self-motivation. DeAngelis will now compete for the title of National Teacher of the Year.
In early December, DeAngelis and other semi-finalists and finalists will be invited to a Leadership in Education Banquet to celebrate their achievements alongside other distinguished educators from New Hampshire.
Candice is a wonderful representative of the outstanding staff I work with every day, said Bedford High School Principal Bob Jozokos. She is a professional, engaging, and student-centered educator, and I am incredibly proud of her.
Christine Brennan, deputy commissioner of education, echoed these praises. Her positive impact reaches far beyond the classroom. It’s clear that Candice is not only an exceptional educator but also a mentor and role model to her students and colleagues, Brennan remarked. Each year, we are impressed by the high-quality applicants considered during the rigorous Teacher of the Year selection process. This recognition is a true testament to Candice’s dedication, passion, and hard work in shaping the minds and hearts of her students.
