Last week the Preston & Steve Show on 93.3 WMMR asked students at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School to vote on the school’s “Coolest teacher.” This week the radio show announced that the winner was English teacher Tom Rafferty.

Mr. Rafferty was interviewed on the show this morning. The hosts found it interesting to learn that Mr. Rafferty once worked as a sales intern for their station in fall of 2005. Listen to the full interview around the 45-minute mark by clicking here. 

Mr. Rafferty is in his 12th year of teaching In addition to his work in the classroom, Mr. Rafferty organizes the high school’s miniTHON event (click here to learn more about this event, which raises money to fight childhood cancer) and is an adviser for the yearbook. 

Mr. Rafferty expressed humility and gratitude when asked how he felt about his unofficial new title as “Coolest Teacher:”

“I was always kinda goofy – probably not a typical version of cool. Luckily, I had some great teachers in high school who helped me find my voice and gain confidence in myself. Years later, when I first became a teacher, my goal was simple: have the kids leave my room feeling empowered and self-assured. Working at Plymouth Whitemarsh is such a privilege because the students make that process fun. Whether it is in the classroom or through extra-curriculars, they really embrace opportunities to try things out that might seem different or challenging at first. I’m incredibly lucky to have had so many memories here and look forward to many more to come. Currently feeling #pwproud!”

For being named the “Coolest Teacher,” Mr. Rafferty will receive a mug, T-shirt, tickets to the radio station’s upcoming MMR*B*Q concert, and an Acme gift card from the radio station. The Preston & Steve show randomly selects area high schools to vote each year and asks students to submit their choices via a website link. The contest has been held annually since 2013. 

Photo: Colonial School District. Pictured is Plymouth Whitemarsh High School teacher Tom Rafferty.