Teacher Asst of the Year

Kelly Golden is the 2024-2025 Chatham Charter Teacher Assistant of the Year. She works with elementary students in visual arts enrichment classes. Having worked here 29 years, Ms. Golden is one of three employees who have been at Chatham Charter since it became one of the state’s first public charter schools in 1997 and also prior when the school was Chatham Academy.

Ms. Golden enjoys sharing her love of art with elementary students. One of her favorite aspects is encouraging students to do their best while understanding that their creations do not have to be perfect. Instilling the importance of not giving up when a project does not progress as she or the students anticipated is also a valuable lesson —-in art and in life. Ms. Golden chuckled recalling a recent “epic failure” during a snowflake designing session when she and the students had to overcome some challenges.

Ms. Golden is known for being a great teammate. For example, she helps elementary music teacher Julie Teague with logistics during the annual Spring Sing performance and is a willing volunteer when the Athletic Department needs staff to work at ballgame ticket gates. In between classes, she often helps teachers and other staff during the school day when they can use an extra set of hands.

“Kelly Golden has always stepped in and willingly accepted any role at our school when a need has arisen. We are grateful for individuals like Ms. Golden who have set the standard for our school family to follow,” said Julia-Brent Milholen, one of the school founders.