North Attleboro High School Alumni Association

Derek Herber
Excellence in Education Award
2025

Derek Herber ('91) has dedicated over two decades of his life to the education and athletics of his community, embodying the values of loyalty, hard work, and empathy that have shaped his journey. Derek's roots in North Attleboro run deep, and his career reflects his lifelong commitment to giving back to the community that helped shape him.

Derek pursued higher education after his time at NAHS, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Westfield State College in 2001 and later a Master of Education in Athletic Administration from Endicott College in 2017. Throughout his educational path, Derek was influenced by the educators and mentors who helped him realize his passion for teaching and coaching. Influenced by notable NAHS staff such as Ray Beaupre, Paul Sullivan, Elaine Bedard, and Earlene Roberts, Derek not only thrived as a student but also chose to follow in their footsteps by becoming an educator himself.

After beginning his career as a teacher, Derek became an integral part of North Attleboro's athletic programs. Over his years of service, he coached football (1997–2021), outdoor track (1998–2014), indoor track (1997–2001), and girls' basketball, achieving multiple titles, championships, and league honors. His greatest attribute is perhaps his commitment to sportsmanship. In 2014 when, as the head coach of the outdoor track team, he identified a scoring mistake and proactively "returned" the state championship title; an act and the response of athletes, coaches and community, that highlighted the unwavering spirit of North Attleboro and its strong sense of community. This example stands as a testament to the values he holds dear—teamwork, perseverance, and community pride; leading to Derek being recognized as a recipient of the prestigious national Stan Musial Award.

Beyond his athletic contributions, Derek served the NAHS community in a variety of roles, including class advisor, chess club advisor, and organizer of Homecoming Spirit Week events, further demonstrating his commitment to student life and school spirit. Derek was also involved in the development of integrated classes like American Studies and American Government, showing his dedication to improving the academic experience at NAHS.

Derek's career has been defined by the connections he's built along the way. His deep ties to the North Attleboro community have made him not just a colleague, but a mentor, a coach, and a friend to many students and fellow educators. His personal relationships with colleagues such as Wilson Whitty, Ken Pickering, and Martha Frutchey were instrumental in shaping his approach to teaching and coaching. These strong professional connections were mirrored in the lasting friendships he formed with former students, many of whom have returned to NAHS as educators and coaches themselves.

In his personal life, Derek is supported by his wife, Jessica, and enjoys spending time with his family, attending sporting events, and vacationing on the North Shore. Derek remains a steadfast advocate for his community, always remembering the importance of giving back to the place that gave him so much.

For Derek, this award is not just a reflection of his accomplishments but a tribute to the entire community that supported him throughout his career.