Douglas graphics teacher wins national award

Retiring Douglas High School graphics arts teacher Rita Borselli was named outstanding career and technical educator for participation in SkillsUSA and career and technical education.

One of SkillsUSA’s highest recognitions, the Educator of the Year is awarded to outstanding individuals who guide SkillsUSA members to becoming leaders in their chosen fields. 

“Rita is a SkillsUSA champion with a true passion for helping students develop their talents and leadership, said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. “Her dedication SkillsUSA and to career and technical education is inspiring.”

Not awarded regularly, it is given only when the SkillsUSA Board of Directors wants to honor an exceptional educator for their service and dedication to career and technical education and SkillsUSA. 

Borselli taught graphics arts and screen printing at the high school for a quarter of a century.

She is a 1979 graduate of Whittell High School at Zephyr Cove.

Borselli taught thousands of students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in graphic design, screen printing or related art fields. 

She has also coached many gold medalists, who were winners at both the state and national SkillsUSA competitions. 

Her students have been very involved in a variety of community service projects and Borselli ran a successful holiday craft fair as a school fundraiser. She is referred to by her students as “amazing, inspiring, a talented artist, one of my favorite teachers and an inspiration” and other accolades that demonstrate her ability to make a true difference in education, one student at a time.