NORTHAMPTON — Ellen Kennedy, an eighth grade science teacher at John F. Kennedy Middle School in Florence, is the 2016 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year.
The award was presented at the 22nd annual Massachusetts Public Fire and Life Safety Education Conference on Tuesday.
Kennedy incorporates fire safety into her lessons and prepares students to participate in the annual Fire Safety Field Day, according to a press release issued by the state Department of Fire Services. Some of her lessons include treating burns and the effects of smoke and drugs on the body.
She also promotes the Arson Watch Reward Program’s annual poster contest on fire prevention and safety. The school has had state and county winners.
Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.