Deapo Named COSBA Teacher of the Year

If you've spent any time at Jordan-Elbridge over the past few decades, chances are you've crossed paths with Mr. Drew Deapo.

Whether you've been one of his students, participated in Student Council, worked behind the scenes on a theater production, or simply shared a conversation in the hallway, you know the energy, humor, and passion he brings to everything he does.

That is why Jordan-Elbridge is thrilled to celebrate Deapo as this year's Cayuga-Onondaga School Boards Association (COSBA) Teacher of the Year.

Deapo was recently recognized at the annual COSBA awards dinner, where he was joined by district administration and members of the Jordan-Elbridge Board of Education to celebrate an honor that reflects a lifetime of dedication to students and the JE community.

For Deapo, Jordan-Elbridge has always been home. His connection to the district began as a kindergarten student in 1976 and continued through his graduation as a member of the Class of 1990. After beginning his teaching career in Baldwinsville, he returned to Jordan-Elbridge in 2000—and the district has been better for it ever since.

Over the past 26 years, Deapo has worn many hats. He began as a fifth-grade teacher at Ramsdell Elementary, where he spent seven years helping students grow as learners while creating the Ramsdell News Network, a student-run morning broadcast that gave students a chance to shine in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

In 2008, he moved to Jordan-Elbridge Middle School, where he taught sixth-grade English Language Arts for ten years before transitioning to sixth-grade Individuals and Societies (Social Studies), a role he continues today. Throughout his career, he has found countless ways to make learning engaging, meaningful, and memorable for students (for example, everyone remembers his King Tut trials!).

But ask anyone about Mr. Deapo, and they'll likely tell you his impact goes far beyond the classroom.

For 17 years, he has served as Student Council Advisor, encouraging students to become leaders and make a positive difference in their school community. For more than two decades, he has helped bring the district's theater productions to life as Technical Director, working alongside his wife, Denise, on more than 65 productions. From building sets to solving last-minute challenges backstage, Deapo has been a driving force behind countless unforgettable performances.

He has also been a leader among his colleagues, serving on district committees, facilitating professional development, and most recently guiding the middle school's work as International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Coordinator. In that role, he helped lead staff training, supported the implementation of IB practices, and coordinated the extensive preparation required for a successful IB evaluation process earlier this year.

While his résumé is impressive, what truly makes Deapo special is the way he connects with people. He is the kind of teacher who remembers students long after they leave his classroom, the colleague who is always willing to lend a hand, and the person who can make others laugh even on the busiest days.

As he prepares to retire later this month, Deapo leaves behind an incredible legacy built on service, leadership, creativity, and genuine care for others. His influence can be seen in generations of Jordan-Elbridge students, many of whom still remember the lessons, encouragement, and smiles he shared along the way.

In retirement, he looks forward to traveling with Denise and spending more time with their son, Nicholas, who has followed in his parents' footsteps as a substitute teacher and theater educator.

Congratulations to Mr. Deapo on being named COSBA Teacher of the Year. It is a fitting recognition for someone who has devoted his career to making Jordan-Elbridge a better place—and has had a lot of fun doing it.