Wayland Academy’s Liberty Bell H`14 Honored with National Teaching Award from Williams College

Ms. Bell, who teaches AP U.S. Government and AP Microeconomics at Wayland, was nominated by her former student Zoe Kane `18, a 2025 graduating senior at Williams, for her significant impact on Kane’s academic and personal development. Ms. Bell was just one of four educators to receive the honor this year.

The award, established in 1984, celebrates teachers who have made a lasting impression on their students’ intellectual and personal growth. Each year, Williams’ seniors nominate teachers who shaped their path, and a committee of faculty, staff, and students select the recipients from a competitive pool of nominations.

As part of the honor, Ms. Bell received a $3,000 prize, and Wayland Academy received an additional $5,000 in recognition of her outstanding teaching. She was formally recognized during Williams College’s Commencement Weekend.

“Liberty Bell sounds like a walking advertisement for the liberal arts,” said Gretchen Long, Dean of the College. “Ms. Bell’s own letter made it clear that she’s as excited about learning itself as she is about any one of her subjects she teaches.”

Included in that letter, Ms. Bell wrote, “Not every kid will love the subjects I teach. But I hope they see what it is to love something, and that they are so inspired that they find their own thing.”

Ms. Bell’s recognition highlights the strength of Wayland Academy’s academic program and the lasting influence of its educators. Her selection for the Olmsted Prize reflects a deep commitment to teaching that continues to shape students’ lives long after graduation.

Ms. Bell has been a faculty member at Wayland Academy since 2004. She lives in Beaver Dam with her husband, Mark Born, and their daughter, Reagan, who is currently a student at Wayland.