Northern Chautauqua County can show support for an area teacher that is part of a national contest. Silver Creek’s Janet Decker is a finalist in the Reader’s Digest contest to name America’s Favorite Teacher.

Decker said she was thrilled when she received an email stating she would be in the running for the title. Votes for Decker can be cast online at americasfavteacher.org/2024/janet-decker.

As Reader’s Digest states on its website, “You never forget your favorite teacher.” That statement is the driving force behind the contest to select a winner for the award. The website states that a teacher’s “dedication goes far beyond the classroom, influencing the character and values of the next generation.”

In her role at Silver Creek, she serves as a Middle School Special Education Teacher who specializes in a course that promotes life skills for her students. She also serves as an adviser to the Youth Advisory Committee, a student-run group that helps promote understanding and acceptance for all students, especially those with disabilities. She also began coaching in 2020 and now coaches three sports: Unified Bowling, Varsity Cheerleading, and Modified Girls Track.

Voting to determine the Top 10 closes Thursday. Voting will then begin immediately to determine the Top 5. Votes can be cast once every 24 hours.