Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Rachel Cunningham to Deer Lakes School District!

"I am excited to join Deer Lakes because I feel the district is a true community that values and supports its students and staff," Mrs. Cunningham said. "I'm excited to grow with my students and colleagues as the years go on!"

Mrs. Cunningham attended Shaler Area High School in 2009. She earned a Bachelors degree in Journalism/Public Relations at West Virginia University and a Masters degree in Elementary Education and Special Education.

Mrs. Cunningham is entering her ninth year teaching and was the 7th grade Learning Support teacher at Butler Area Intermediate School. She will be Deer Lakes Middle School's 6th grade Learning Support teacher.

"I teach because I want to make a difference in students' lives, both academically and personally," Mrs. Cunningham said. "Helping students to recognize their strengths, build confidence, and seeing it 'click' is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching. I especially enjoy special education because I believe success and progress looks different for everybody and helping students find success is meaningful to me."

Mrs. Cunningham has always had a passion for working with children.

"More than education, I wanted to be able to create a safe and supportive environment to help students develop skills they can carry with them beyond the classroom," she said.