Sometimes the most important lessons are taught outside the classroom. Such is the case with Erica Gagnon’s third grade students and the residents of Bellamy Assisted Living in Dover, NH. After Erica forged a relationship with the facility, she thought her students could benefit from new relationships as well. Erica began visiting the residents with her third grade class twice a month. As her students began spending more time with the residents, their friendships began to flourish. Together they played games and shared stories, learning as much about themselves as they did about each other.  Some students formed such strong bonds with their new friends that they planned to continue visiting over the summer.

Because of Erica’s compassion for her students and the residents of Bellamy Assisted Living, she was selected as a winner of Northeast Credit Union’s Teachers That Wow contest. We love her creativity both in and out of the classroom!