Chef Lingwall named Davies District Teacher of the Year!

Davies Career and Technical High School has officially named Hospitality Careers Instructor Chef Sara Lingwall as the 2026-2027 District Teacher of the Year. Chef Lingwall will advance to represent the district at the state level through the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE).Chef Lingwall is joined on stage by her husband, Mike, following the surprise announcement.

This year's selection process featured an updated application format, leading to a five-year record of 11 applicants, including an exceptional turnout from technical programs. Director Watkins noted that the review committee was deeply impressed by the depth of work, thoughtfulness, and care driving instruction across all submissions. Ultimately, Chef Lingwall’s application stood out by a significant margin.

Chef Lingwall dedicates substantial time both during the school day and on weekends to support student-led catering and hospitality events. Her award-winning application highlighted a continuous commitment to professional development, literacy, and student belonging:

• Pursued a Fund for Teachers Grant to travel to Japan, bringing advanced international culinary techniques back to the classroom.
• Attended the World Flavor Conference to elevate multicultural curriculum and honor students' cultural identities.
• Collaborated with the New England Basecamp initiative to systematically integrate ELA literacy into career and technical training.
• Participated in the RIDE Foundations of Math cohort to bridge mathematical principles directly into the culinary arts curriculum.

Beyond the classroom, Chef Lingwall coached the Davies ProStart management team to a state victory and subsequent national competition appearance. She has also coached three student competitors to SkillsUSA medals, including one gold finish, and regularly mentors next-generation educators by hosting student teachers from Johnson & Wales University.

"I have strived to create a classroom that reflects diversity, rigor, and excellence."
— Chef Sara Lingwall