Bethlehem teacher wins prestigious educator’s award

BETHLEHEM — The numbers all line up for local teacher Durray Mahmood, and an elite university has honored her for it.

Mahmood has been a math teacher at Bethlehem Central High School for nearly two decades, teaching high-level courses including Calculus BC, Calculus 3 and Linear Algebra, according to the school district’s website.

She was just named a recipient of the Outstanding Educator Award by University of Chicago, one of the nation’s most elite institutions.

Mahmood was nominated for the award by Juliette Thibodeau, one of her students who graduated from Bethlehem Central in 2018. Thibodeau is now a freshman at the university.

The award is part of a program that enables the university to recognize the efforts and impacts high school teachers have on their college-bound students.

“Every year, UChicago gives newly admitted students the opportunity to recognize the educators who have made a difference in their lives,” according to the University of Chicago website. “And every year, over a third of the incoming class responds with stories that are truly inspiring. The University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award recognizes all teachers who are nominated, highlighting the stories that show educators’ power to transform.”

Teachers are selected for their dedication to education, their “infectious love for learning” and their ability to care for the students they teach.

“Outstanding educators go beyond everyday teaching and leave an impression that is carried over a lifetime,” according to the website.

Mahmood fits the bill, according to the university.

In fact, this is the second time she has received the prestigious award.