By Adriana Duarte ’27
Starting off the school year of 2025-2026, Derby High School was very fortunate to bring on Isabelle Cheverella for her first year of teaching as the new freshman teacher in the Social Studies department. She teaches three Modern World History (College Prep) classes and one Modern World History (Honors) class, as well as one AP Seminar class.
When asked what she enjoys most about teaching, Cheverella’s passion for her students and the classroom was immediately clear. “So far, the best thing that I’ve been loving about teaching is noticing when students understand a new thing or new topic: the face they get when they really understand it. It may be cliche, but it is my favorite thing.” She also said, “Getting to see them every day, getting to learn about their personalities and what they’re into, it’s really great getting to know all of them.”
Building connections within the classroom is a two-way street that involves students, too. Juliana Camara ‘29, a student in Chevarella’s Modern US History class, said, “It’s very nice to have her, I think she is very down-to-earth but she also gets stuff done, which is really important. And overall, she’s great.” Maya Rodriguez ‘29 added, “She’s actually very sweet. I really like her. She teaches very well, she makes tests and assignments very easy to do,”
Her colleagues and mentor have similar positive initial impressions. For example, Chevarella’s mentor teacher in the Social Studies Department, Jim Piazza, said “So, Ms. Cheverella hit the ground running. She’s already doing a really, really good job… and she’s really receptive to feedback. Really on top of her work, and it seems like the kids really enjoy having her as a teacher so far.”
He also commented on how well she’s adjusting to her professional environment. He said, “I like that she seemed to have fit right in. It feels like she’s already worked here for a long time… I like that, you know, she’s not afraid to become a part of the staff, to talk to us and to ask questions… I’m hoping to even learn a couple things from her and I can hopefully have some good influence on her too. But she’s got a lot of skills and Derby is lucky to have her.”
Teaching freshman classes can be tough for any teacher, whether the teacher has a lot of experience or is a new addition to the education system. Regardless of the struggles of being a new teacher, Cheverella still shows up every day for kids through the hard times.
She said, “The hardest part might be getting used to my school routine. Essentially, I’m here from before the sun rises, [and] I’m here until the sun sets. Again, I’m brand new, but a good thing is I have a great support staff here.” Cheverella turned a negative topic into a positive: optimistic recognition for her support systems.
Cheverella has always been surrounded by educational figures. Her father, Math teacher Dave Cheverella, also works at Derby High School.. Her sister is Derby Middle School Special Education teacher Anna Cheverella. Cheverella’s mother is also an educator for another school.
Commenting on her family of teachers, she said, “Both my father and mother were both educators, [and] from a young age they inspired me to become a teacher. Especially in high school, I knew what I wanted to do, then I got to pursue it in college.”
Cheverella has already made a positive impact in her first two months at Derby High School. From her approachable personality to her engaging teaching style, it’s clear she’s earning both respect and admiration from her freshman classes.
As the school year continues, Cheverella’s enthusiasm and dedication are sure to leave a lasting impression—not just in the classroom, but in the memories of the students she teaches.
The Raider Press 