Josh Cushing, a music teacher at Montville High School, has been named the district’s Teacher of the Year.

Cushing, who began teaching in Montville in 2009, has served as a leader in regional professional development, working with music teachers from 18 districts. He works extensively with students to create new courses and curricula to meet their needs, and he helps students develop independent problem solving strategies to hone their skills as musicians and young adults.

This year, Cushing worked with the music department at Tyl Middle School to present the district’s first grade 6-12 choral concert, which was standing room only. He was also recognized by two students in an essay contest at their orthodontist’s office, who said he was “an outstanding teacher, life-coach, and mentor, who always looks out for his students.”