The Salem Community High School Academic Foundation has named RN Michelle Blomberg as the school’s teacher of the year.
Blomberg who came to SCHS ten years ago because of her desire to teach was honored for her work with the CNA program and for helping the school through the COVID pandemic. She said she was literally shocked by the announcement at the end-of-school-year breakfast.
“I’ve taught the CNA classes since I’ve been here. We started with only eight students and this year I had 20 CNA students. I also started another class which is medical terminology. I have about 45 to 50 kids in that program. I teach full-time. I actually started out teaching part-time school nurse and part-time teacher. Now I am blessed to teach all day, which is great.”
Blomberg credits her CNA teacher at Patoka High School Rosie Griffin for making teaching fun and exciting for getting her interested in teaching.
Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering called Blomberg the perfect choice for the award.
“She trains our kids to go out and help our elderly in the nursing homes who need the care the most. The way she does it is outstanding and amazing. No wonder Michelle Blomberg is your teacher of the year.”
Detering also credited Blomberg for allowing the district to avoid confrontations over COVID-19 that many other districts faced by the way she handled calls to parents about their children’s possible exposure.
The award was presented by retired teacher and Salem Community High School Academic Foundation President Sheila Baldridge who noted very few of Blomberg’s students do not appreciate the work-based learning she gives them. Blomberg also coaches girls’ tennis and works on the Prom Committee. As a teacher of the year, Blomberg will receive $500 from the foundation for herself and another $500 to utilize in their classroom.
