Voting ends this Thursday March 6
From America’s Favorite Teacher, pictured is Rachel with her son Owen
America’s Favorite Teacher is an online competition giving educators the opportunity to compete to win $25,000, a trip to Hawaii for two, an appearance in Reader’s Digest, and a virtual Bill Nye school assembly.
More About Rachel:
“As a high school English teacher, I’m able to share my love of literature and laugh each day with teens with unique personalities!”
VOTE HERE https://americasfavteacher.org/2025/rachel-mangels
Tell us why you became a teacher
Upon beginning my Master’s in Education program, I knew immediately that teaching was what I was meant to do. In addition to wanting to be a supportive adult for the youth of my community, I became a teacher to share my love of literature! My entire life, reading has provided an escape from harsh realities and entry into hundreds of worlds. I became a teacher to educate, support, and love the children of my community while guiding them to the new worlds that books provide.
Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience
A few months ago, I received a message from one of my old students. This student shared that she had been having a hard time lately and that the bookshelf in her room randomly fell with one of the books I gifted her landing open. It revealed a long handwritten note from me in 2022 expressing her importance to me and my belief in her success. She shared that reading the message resulted in an “instant true smile” on her face. My most memorable moments are the connections that last.
What would you do with the $25,000?
My first year of teaching, I started two “programs” to help meet needs that I had identified within my district and community – a “Book Table” set up 2-3 times a year and “Grab Bags” which are cute discreet bags filled with feminine products. Over the past five years, I have funded these programs with my wonderful students helping to set up book tables and stock bags! Winning this prize would support these two programs while also benefiting my family.
VOTE HERE https://americasfavteacher.org/2025/rachel-mangels
Family Tradition Continues:
My grandparents Roger and Phyllis Rigby were both teachers and left a legacy behind. The Scio gymnasium is named after my grandpa and my grandma won Person of the Year in Scio and, at almost 99 years old, is an inspiration and one of my favorite people.
I am a mother of three children – Owen (8th grade), Liam (4th grade), Chloe (2nd grade) who all attend Wellsville Central School.
What is Rachel teaching at Wellsville High ?
I spend a lot of time building a curriculum that is engaging and accessible for all students. Welcoming feedback from students and making adjustments based on classes’ different personalities results in each year looking different than the last. While teaching, I love when a student demonstrates that they have gained a skill we’ve been focusing on or when they are passionate about what we’re doing. For example, when we do verbal “story building” , students are eager to add on to the story next. When writing alternative endings for Z for Zachariah, students were excited to have me read theirs with the goal to include the most shocking details. During Romeo & Juliet, students race to class to try to claim the “best” acting roles. My students’ current unit is Persuasive Communication which includes “Speed Debating” on high-controversy topics, writing well supported arguments, and soon – a court case that they’re looking forward to.
VOTE HERE https://americasfavteacher.org/2025/rachel-mangels
