Charleroi’s Rigatti may be America’s Favorite Teacher

Anyone who wants to help can submit votes for her online in a Reader’s Digest competition.

America’s Favorite Teacher could be right here in the Mon Valley.

Meghan Rigatti, a thirdgrade teacher at Charleroi Elementary Center, is currently second in a group of dozens of educators.

The contest is run by Reader’s Digest, a publication known for celebrating extraordinary lives through themes of faith, heroism and humor.

The winner will not only be declared America’s Favorite Teacher, but will have their story published, receive a well-deserved vacation to Hawaii, a virtual assembly for their school with Bill Nye “The Science Guy” and $25,000.

“I’m proud to say that this is my seventeenth year teaching, all of which have been with the Charleroi Area School District,” Rigatti said. “I was hired during the 2008-09 school year, and from the very beginning, I knew this was where I wanted to build my career and make a difference.”

She was inspired to become a professional educator because of her own third-grade math teacher many years ago.

“I decided to become a teacher because of my thirdgrade teacher, Miss Melanie Hatalowich, now Mrs. Melanie Martin,” Rigatti said. “She had all the qualities that make a great teacher — kindness, compassion, persistence and the ability to make learning fun.

“Looking back, I know I struggled with learning, but she never gave up on me. She made such a lasting impact on my life that I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps.”

From a young age, Rigatti had a passion for teaching.

“When I would come home after school, I would line up my stuffed animals and use the worksheets I brought home to pretend I was teaching them,” she said. “That love for teaching never faded and when I became a teacher, I strived to embody the same qualities that inspired me — so I could make the same difference in my students’ lives that she made in mine.”

The best part about her job, of course, is her students.

“Seeing them walk into class smiling, excited to be here, makes every day worthwhile,” she said. “You never know what they may be going through at home, and for some, school is their safe place. I love being a source of comfort and support for them — so much so that I’ve even been called ‘mom’ or ‘gram’ before. I like to think of myself as their school mom, wearing many hats to meet their needs.”

She also likes that every day is different — even the bad ones.

“I love the spontaneity of teaching,” she said. “No two days are ever the same. You plan, but things can change in an instant, and being able to adapt and adjust keeps things exciting and fresh.”

It helps that Rigatti is surrounded by co-workers she loves and administrators who support them.

“I can’t say enough about the teaching staff I work with,” she said. “They are an incredible group of women who not only support and share resources with one another, but also bring so much joy to the job. We get along so well, always finding ways to laugh and lift each other up. I truly wouldn’t trade them for anything.”

In the classroom, she tries to fill a lot of different roles because that’s part of the job.

“As a teacher, I strive to wear the many hats that this profession requires — because teaching is so much more than just delivering lessons,” she said. “I am passionate about my job and my students.

“I love coming in every day, especially when I get to teach my favorite subjects, math and science. There’s nothing better than seeing a student’s ‘aha’ moment when they finally grasp a concept.”

She enjoys being creative because after so many years at the front of the classroom she has learned a thing or two herself.

“I believe in creativity because no two students learn the same way,” she said. “I differentiate my lessons to meet the needs of all learners to ensure that each child stays engaged and finds success in their own way.

“Patience is key. Teaching can be hectic, but I know that taking small steps instead of big leaps leads to real growth. Every student learns at their own pace, and by being patient, I get to witness their progress firsthand.”

Through creative lessons and lots of patience and “aha” moments, empathy is the heart of her classroom.

“I want every student to feel welcome and supported, no matter their challenges,” she said. “Understanding their perspectives and emotional needs allows me to create a safe and encouraging learning environment. Communication is essential. Open dialogue between parents, teachers, students and administration keeps everyone on the same page. At the end of the day, we all share the same goal — ensuring that each student, your child, succeeds.”

When all those different puzzle pieces come together, the job is especially fulfilling.

“The most rewarding part of what I do is watching my students grow and develop into the best versions of themselves,” she said. “There are always challenges and hurdles along the way, but being there for them — supporting them through their struggles and celebrating their successes — makes it all worthwhile.

“Nothing compares to seeing that growth firsthand, knowing that I’ve played a small role in their journey. And the moments that truly confirm I’m here for the right reasons. When former students come back to visit, sharing their favorite memories from my class, that little twinkle in their eyes — and in mine — reminds me why I do what I do.”

If she becomes America’s Favorite Teacher, everything will have come full circle.

“Being chosen as America’s Favorite Teacher would truly be a humbling experience,” she said. “I never expected this journey to become what it has, and I am beyond grateful for every student I’ve had the privilege to teach — whether I’ve made a big difference or a small one in their lives.”

Who Rigatti is and strives to be for her students is because of many different people who have made an impact in her life.

“I am thankful for my family,” Rigatti said. “My parents, throughout our highs and lows, they got to watch me grow and see what I’ve become. My husband, who is not only an incredible teacher himself, but also my biggest supporter — my backbone in every way. And my children, who keep me going, keep me active and remind me of the joy in every day. No matter how hard a day at school might be, I come home to the three most amazing girls I could ever ask for, and that is the greatest reward of all.”

A victory would be a win for all Cougars. “I am incredibly thankful for the teachers who molded me into the educator I strive to be every day,” she said. “Their guidance and example helped shape me in so many ways. I am equally grateful for the amazing teaching staff at Charleroi Area School District.

“This honor wouldn’t just be about me — it would be about all of us. We come to work every day for the kids, through the challenges, the tears, and the triumphs. We are a strong, passionate community, and if I win, it’s a win for our school as well.”

Voting began Feb. 24, and the first round to determine the top 20 will end March 6.

Rigatti is currently in second place within her group, which doesn’t come as a surprise to her principal, Adam Brewer.

“As a principal, I wish I could nominate all my teachers as I see daily the dedication and sacrifice they put into helping students grow,” he said, “but I am extremely proud of Mrs. Rigatti’s recognition as it proves hard work pays off and teachers should be recognized.

“I have worked with Mrs. Rigatti for the past three years as her administrator and any time I have been in her classroom, she has always been able to create lessons where productive struggle is achieved while providing supports for students who may have reached frustration.

“She is dynamic in providing differentiated instruction and learning circles to ensure all students are challenged. The classroom environment she creates is very warm, welcoming and highly organized.”

Rigatti’s success for her students is personal and proven.

“Utilizing differentiated instruction and learning circles, she has shown consistent growth in her students,” Brewer said. “We analyze data and her class has consistently shown growth of at least 10% every year in the past three years.”

Rigatti would use the prize money to help give back to her school community.

“If I had $25,000, I would give back to my school to help provide resources that support my students’ learning and growth,” she said. “Education has given me so much, and I’d love to pay it forward. I’d also put some toward my kids’ college funds, ensuring they have the opportunities they deserve. A balance of giving, saving and enjoying would make the money truly meaningful.”

How to vote

After the first found of voting reduces each group to a top 20, there will be a series of additional rounds to narrow down each group to the top five by the end of March.

From March 27 through April 3, votes will reduce the total number of competitors to one preliminary member from each group who will advance to the quarterfinals.

A wild card round will run from April 4-6. During that round, competitors who took second place in their respective groups will compete in a shortened round for a chance to advance to the quarterfinals. Votes will be reset, and public voting will determine the top competitor from each group who will then advance to the quarterfinals.

Quarterfinals begin April 7 and end April 17. Votes will determine the top quarterfinalist from each group, who will advance to the semifinals, which run from April 18-24.

The finals will begin April 25 and end May 1, with the grand prize winner being announced around May 31.

People can vote for Rigatti for free online once each day. Additional votes per day can be purchased by making a donation to The Planetary Society, an organization that focuses on advance space science and exploration through education and innovation.

A link to vote for Rigatti can be found on the Charleroi Area School District’s Facebook page.