Cleveland Monsters Pick Avon Educator For Teacher Of The Month

AVON, OH — Michelle Friedel has been named Teacher of the Month by the Cleveland Monsters hockey team.

Friedel, a third grade teacher, was recognized during a virtual celebration this month. WGU Ohio, members of the Monsters organization and the Monster's mascot Sully surprised Friedel during the announcement. Friedel's husband and three children also joined the ceremony.

As part of her award, Fridel received a gift basket with tickets to an upcoming Monsters hockey game.

In an interview with the Monsters, Friedel said she has enjoyed having a classroom filled with young voices and laughter. For her, it has represented a sliver of how the world used to be.

"While we are all anxiously awaiting for the world to be back to normal, I am thankful I'm seeing my students in-person each day," she said.

Friedel has been a teacher for 18 years. She said a former student's mother recently contacted her to let her know she had changed her son's attitude toward education.

"This was so meaningful to me because I was able to show him that learning can be fun. I saw an amazing difference in this student from the beginning of the year to our last day together," she said.

To see the Monsters full interview with Friedel, visit the hockey team's website.