Cambridge High School Ohio Model United Nations and Social Studies teacher Alisha Novick was recently recognized as the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS) Outstanding High School Teacher for 2023-2024.
Alisha Novick pictured with her Outstanding High School Teacher Award along with President Paul LaRue, Ohio State Board of Education; Superintendent Paul Craft, Ohio State Superintendent of Public Instruction; Director Steve Dackin, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce; and Dr. Richard Murray, CORAS Executive Director.
Mrs. Novick, known to many former students as Ms. Speer, has been teaching at Cambridge High School for 17 years. She teaches social studies and the popular Ohio Model United Nations class. Mrs. Novick’s students are top performers at the OMUN simulation in Columbus each year.
“Mrs. Novick is a veteran teacher at Cambridge High School who goes above and beyond normal responsibilities to build relationships with students,” Cambridge High School principal Jason Bunting said in his nomination. “It is because of these relationships that she is able to create a classroom that is conducive to learning and focused on high achievement.”
Novick’s involvement with OMUN began in her first year of teaching as an afterschool club and morphed into two classes of students who prepare projects to compete at the annual statewide United Nations simulation event.
“Whether they bring back a whole bus load of trophies or only a few, the kids come away with lifelong memories and valuable experiences thanks to the dedication and commitment of Mrs. Novick,” said fellow teacher and nominator Jana McConkey. “Alisha is a teacher with unparalleled commitment to her students. Her friendly, approachable demeanor and positive attitude make her a favorite of students and teachers alike.”
In addition to teaching social studies and OMUN classes, Novick has served as an advisor for three different classes, student council, Ignite, Mindfulness Matters Club, and serves on the PBIS committee. She even served two seasons as girls’ soccer coach.
However, it does not matter what subject she teaches or what student activities she is involved with, it is her relationship with students that leads to the significant and positive impact she has on her students.
Alisha Novick with a CHS student at the Ohio Model United Nations simulation in Columbus.
“I try to develop a good rapport with all students,” Novick said. “I like to get to know each of my students as a person; learn what they like and dislike, learn how they learn. Also, if you show that you care about the student it helps build that rapport.”
Her students agree and appreciate her caring approach.
“Mrs. Novick is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had,” said CHS senior Madeline Enright. “She genuinely cares for each of her students and wants the best for them. She fosters a love in the classroom that exemplifies what a great teacher is. I am honored to have been a student of hers for the past three years.”
Novick received her recognition at the CORAS winter meeting Wednesday at the Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Center.
CORAS, in partnership with the Ohio University Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education, is an organization of 110 school districts and other educational institutions in the 32-county region of Ohio designated as Appalachia.
The mission of CORAS is to advocate for and support the public schools of Appalachia Ohio in the continuous improvement of educational opportunities available to all the region's children.