 | Sheila Munger | | Newcastle Middle School | | Middle School Social Studies Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 4 Honoree | | In teaching American history, I strive to give my students a deeper understanding of democratic values and what it means to be an American. |
Newcastle Middle School | | Middle School Social Studies Teacher |
| | Sheila Munger |
As an American history teacher, Munger knows leadership in education can be very powerful. She believes students learn better by experiencing the events of the past firsthand through simulations and hands-on activities. Munger understands that developing a positive relationship with her students is essential to their success. She plays an active role in her district by serving on the district discussions team, media censorship committee and English and social studies committees. |  | Cindy Hettenhausen | | Ellis Elementary | | Reading Interventionist |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "A true leader does not try to influence the opinions, thoughts or actions of others, but instead supports and guides them through the decision making process." |
Ellis Elementary | | Reading Interventionist |
| | Cindy Hettenhausen |
As a reading interventionist, Cindy is heavily involved in ensuring student success. She leads the school’s Response to Intervention program and oversees the reading improvement program that helps struggling students. She also established Ellis’ Check and Connect program, which helps students who are struggling with behavior and self-confidence issues by pairing them up with a mentor teacher. |
 | Kara Sweet | | Newcastle High School | | High School Language Arts |
2012-2013 Region 4 Honoree | | ""Example moves the world more than doctrine” is a quote I try to live by in my classroom. I lead by setting the example of being involved and engaged--the traits I want my students to exemplify." |
Newcastle High School | | High School Language Arts |
| | Kara Sweet |
Sweet was chosen for encouraging her students to achieve excellence in education. As a language arts teacher, she leads by example and encourages her students and peers to be active in their school and community. She pushes her students to take responsibility for their own education and make the most out of their high school experience. Sweet serves as the NCA/School Improvement chairperson and mentors fellow teachers on best practices and classroom management. |  | April D. Cotton | | Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School | | Intern Leadership Program Director |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | Educational leadership has guided my career to a place of excitement, innovation and gratification in what I do to help students succeed. I am excited about the opportunities that await my students. |
Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School | | Intern Leadership Program Director |
| | April D. Cotton |
April Cotton mentors and guides students to achieve their very best. As director, she is the driving force behind the Intern Leadership Program, which provides incentives for talented African-America youth to live, work and become leaders in the St. Louis region. She works with students to advance their professional development skills and helps them land college internships with businesses throughout St. Louis. Her support and guidance fosters a dedication and strong work ethic in her students as they go on to achieve success. |
 | Kristin Ingalls | | Moffat County High School | | Math Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 5 Honoree | | "As math department chair and a teacher leader in my district, I believe in setting the example. I believe if I want to see change, I have to be the catalyst for change." |
Moffat County High School | | Math Teacher |
| | Kristin Ingalls |
Kristin is devoted to making her classroom a welcoming environment where her students can learn and a place where she can set an example to enforce change. Kristin is committed to incorporating the use of technology in her curriculum. In addition to being Moffat County High’s math department chair, she also serves on a committee of teachers working on a new teacher evaluation process that is currently being implemented by the State of Colorado. She will be responsible for helping educate her colleagues on the new evaluation process once it is enacted. |  | Meagan Bonnell-Yogi | | Gateway STEM High School | | Business Education Department Head |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | My philosophy of teaching is very simple. It is based upon relationships. A positive rapport with students helps them to feel safe in the classroom and also makes them want to succeed and have positive outcomes in their future. |
Gateway STEM High School | | Business Education Department Head |
| | Meagan Bonnell-Yogi |
As an 11th and 12th grade teacher, Bonnell-Yogi understands the impact that maintaining positive relationships with her students has on their overall educational experience. She believes respect, honesty and patience build successful relationships between her and her students and, in turn, improves their classroom performance. In addition to teaching, she serves as the head of Gateway’s Business Education Department and mentors new instructors by inviting them to observe in her classroom. She also created the school’s campus store and added an internship component to Gateway’s business program. |
 | Karen Giesler | | Center for Creative Learning | | Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | “Leading is engaging my students’ families in our daily learning and continuing to address the challenge of seeking ways to further our two-way communication.” |
Center for Creative Learning | | Teacher |
| | Karen Giesler |
Karen is an innovative classroom teacher, who integrates excitement and rigor into curriculum and instruction. As an advocate for gifted students, she is devoted to meeting students’ social and emotional needs, as well as supporting their educational interests. As a Board Certified Teacher, Karen is a resource to educators across the country as she writes and shares curriculum, and networks with educators in person and through social media. She is deeply committed to educating young people, especially girls, about the beauty of science. |  | LaTasha Maria McClelland | | Lexington Elementary School | | Lead Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | “I have developed a philosophy of active listening to steer my leadership style. Listening with an open mind and clear perspectives allows me to be more effective in strategic planning and interpersonal professional development.” |
Lexington Elementary School | | Lead Teacher |
| | LaTasha Maria McClelland |
As a third grade teacher, McClelland encourages her students to get involved in their community. In addition to providing an engaging classroom environment, outside the classroom she established a student-lead initiative that provides food baskets to students’ families who are in need during the holiday season. As a MAP Teacher Leader, McClelland collaborates and co-facilitates professional development and research-based workshops for Lexington Elementary’s teachers to develop new methods and improve student performance. |
 | Bart Burke | | Sts. Peter and Paul School | | Technology Coordinator |
2012-2013 Region 3 Honoree | | "Today’s society is very much driven by technology, and from day one in kindergarten, I work diligently to help prepare my students with higher level computer skills that they will need as they travel on through middle/high school, college and beyond." |
Sts. Peter and Paul School | | Technology Coordinator |
| | Bart Burke |
As technology coordinator, Burke has helped his school’s technology program to become one of the best in the Evansville diocese. He created a state-of-the-art computer lab with enough computers so that each child from the visiting class can have their own. He continuously improves the schools technology and introduced interactive whiteboards and personal tablets into the classrooms. Burke also uses technology to improve communication at his school. He works with the students to create a school newsletter and a TV station where fourth and fifth grade students broadcast news updates each morning. |  | Andrew Goodin | | Soldan International Studies HS | | Chemistry Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | To lead students to conceptual understanding, I am not a lecturer, but rather a facilitator of structured learning experiences. I’ve observed that my students learn much more when I lead them to create meaning for themselves. |
Soldan International Studies HS | | Chemistry Teacher |
| | Andrew Goodin |
As a chemistry teacher, Andrew Goodin understands his students learn more when he leads them to seek meaning in their education. He incorporates real-world examples into his chemistry curriculum and instills the motto “Chem Is Try” among his students to encourage them and their ability to learn science. Goodin was the grand prize winner of the nationwide Shell Science Lab Challenge, which provided $16,000 worth of science materials and supplies to his school. Goodin also advises the Soldan Student Council and the Technology Club. |
 | Mary Russo | | Saint Louis University High School | | Science Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "It is this enthusiasm that I wish to depart to my students; life is all about perspective and a positive one can provide the courage to make change in the world." |
Saint Louis University High School | | Science Teacher |
| | Mary Russo |
Russo is passionate about challenging her students to reach their fullest potential, and gives them the confidence they need to excel at anything they put their minds to. She motivates and inspires her students to take on leadership roles. Outside the classroom, Russo is a junior class moderator and is the administrator of Saint Louis University High School’s junior retreat program, class service projects and canned good drives. |  | Terra Knust | | Otwell Elementary School | | Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 3 Honoree | | “I am proud to be an educator and feel blessed to have the opportunity to positively affect children and assist in guiding them to become productive and successful citizens.” |
Otwell Elementary School | | Teacher |
| | Terra Knust |
Knust is dedicated to implementing emerging technologies in her curriculum. As a second grade teacher, she engages her students by teaching them to write on their class blog as well as educating them on using laptops to graph, write essays, create posters, make tables and even record podcasts. Knust’s passion for technology has paved the way for her students to Skype with authors from around the world and to learn how to use the iPad, Nook, Kindle and Promethean Interactive Board. In addition, she is an educator to her fellow co-workers and has taught summer technology workshops such as “Blogging in the Classroom” and “Creating a 21st Century Learner.” |
 | Tina Barisch | | Central Elementary | | Special Education Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "As an educator of our youngest students, I am privileged to be able to interact with these children every day. Young people have incredible energy and limitless imaginations. I try to feed off of their energy and enthusiasm to create not only a fun, but also a challenging learning atmosphere." |
Central Elementary | | Special Education Teacher |
| | Tina Barisch |
As Central Elementary School’s special education teacher, Barisch understands the value of individualized attention and focuses on her students’ specific educational needs. She embodies a leader outside of the classroom as well, serving as the co-chairman of the school’s “Girls Gotta Run” program that provides young girls with a non-competitive setting in which to enjoy team activities. Through this program, she helps foster the physical, social and emotional growth in her participants while strengthening their self-esteem. |  | Cathy Wall | | Harrisburg High School | | Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 2 Honoree | | "I believe, have always believed, that teaching is a privileged position. We are entrusted with the future, and it is our calling to guide our students toward becoming the best that they possibly can be, for themselves and for society at large. It is a task that requires far more work than I would have imagined when I chose to become a teacher, but it also produces rewards that I could never have imagined." |
Harrisburg High School | | Teacher |
| | Cathy Wall |
Wall challenges her high school students to improve their communication and critical thinking skills in her class. An English and journalism teacher for the past 18 years, she plays a vital role in preparing her students for English at the college level. Wall designed the journalism and junior English curricula to fulfill the requirements of the Common Core Standards. She has worked for the Illinois Journalism Education Association, in which she helped persuade the Illinois High School Association to establish a statewide competition in journalism. Last year, she was asked to take a position on the Journalism Education Association’s Certification Commission. |
 | Lisa Dutton | | Sundance Jr-Sr High | | Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 4 Honoree | | "I believe leadership is initial guidance and then an all-out attack toward the outcome. Often, I feel more like a cruise director than a teacher. I organize activities, provide some direction, and then we all jump in and go with it!" |
Sundance Jr-Sr High | | Teacher |
| | Lisa Dutton |
At Sundance Junior Senior High, Dutton is an energetic instructor who is willing to create new activities to make learning fun and exciting for her students. She teaches junior high English, health, driver’s education and physical education. She works to get students to try new things and has added archery, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, canoeing and mountain biking to her physical education classes. She is a great listener, who modifies her curriculum based on the interests of her students. |  | Amy Bonenberger | | Benjamin Bosse High School | | Math Teacher/International Baccalaureate Coordinator |
2012-2013 Region 2 Honoree | | "Sometimes math is the avenue for leading students, but frequently it is rooted in the relationships developed when you and the students least expect it. That is why I believe strongly in sharing my passion with students. They know why I am excited about a lesson and how it relates to other topics, but they also know that I am real." |
Benjamin Bosse High School | | Math Teacher/International Baccalaureate Coordinator |
| | Amy Bonenberger |
As Bosse High’s math teacher, Bonenberger’s leadership extends beyond the classroom. In addition to managing the Bosse Transition Learning School for at-risk freshmen, Bonenberger coordinates the school’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, in which she meets with faculty members to alert them of changes in curriculum or assessment; and handles the budget and arranges professional development for teachers. She goes beyond her duties at the high school level and teaches a night class at the University of Southern Indiana |
 | LaDonna Whitner | | Alton High School | | Director of Guidance |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | I believe leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. The core of leadership in education is generated from three critical building blocks: knowledge, critical thinking, and inquisitiveness. |
Alton High School | | Director of Guidance |
| | LaDonna Whitner |
LaDonna Whitner has been advocating for students for more than 35 years as an educator and currently as a guidance counselor. Whitner is a devoted mentor and role model as she encourages her students to work hard to fulfill their dreams and overcome hardships. She goes above and beyond to help students in need. She has helped many young adults living in abusive or neglectful homes by ensuring they have food, shelter, support and hope for the future. |  | Jennifer Meadors | | Castle High School | | Special Education Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 2 Honoree | | “One of the biggest joys in my career is to see one of my students succeed at something. They get such a feeling of accomplishment; it is a huge reward for both student and teacher.” |
Castle High School | | Special Education Teacher |
| | Jennifer Meadors |
Meadors was chosen for her dedication to helping students with developmental disabilities. As a life-skills teacher, she mentors and guides students to learn how to be independent in everyday life. She earned grants to create a sensory room at her school, which is a therapeutic space designed to calm children who have difficulty responding to environmental stimuli. Meadors is also active throughout the school community and coordinates the peer tutor program. |
 | Andy Brendel | | Triad High School | | Teacher & Vocational Director |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "On a daily basis, I work towards providing enthusiasm, innovation, and passion into the lessons I provide my students." |
Triad High School | | Teacher & Vocational Director |
| | Andy Brendel |
Andy is committed to instilling the quality of leadership within his students. He implemented Project Lead the Way, which allows pre-engineering students to apply their field knowledge towards college preparation. He sponsors the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Club and the Botball Robotics Club and coaches the cycling, cross country and track teams. Andy also serves as the district-wide career and technical education director, overseeing the business, family, and consumer science and technology education departments. |  | Scott Taylor | | Crestwood Elementary School | | Principal |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "When you walk into Crestwood School you can feel the warmth and energy in our hallways. My students know that I love them and care about them and that I am here to serve them the best that I can." |
Crestwood Elementary School | | Principal |
| | Scott Taylor |
As principal, Taylor is an enthusiastic educator who is passionate about improving education. He sets the bar high for students and has led his school to achieve great success. Through his leadership, Crestwood Elementary was named a 2011 National School of Character and a National Blue Ribbon School, the only school in the nation to receive both awards last year. Taylor’s school is also the only school in Missouri to be named a 2009 and 2011 Missouri Gold Star School. |
 | Kathy Kintz | | Sunflower Elementary School | | Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 4 Honoree | | “I encourage students to make mistakes because mistakes are teachers in themselves. Learning to question “why” and more importantly “why not” develops an in-depth understanding and comprehension.” |
Sunflower Elementary School | | Teacher |
| | Kathy Kintz |
As a third grade teacher, Kintz makes learning come alive through storytelling and interactive events. She shares vivid stories with her students, which help them to grasp and retain new ideas and information. Kintz partners with local community organizations, including the Rockpile Museum, to create fun educational events for students. She encourages her students to be involved in the local community and created a reading program where her third grade students read to preschoolers and senior citizens. |  | Keely Abeln | | Francis Howell Middle School | | Instrumental Music Director |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | “In my own educational practice, I bring enthusiasm and respect for my students. No knowledge I have, or teaching technique I know, will be completely effective if the students do not know I genuinely like them and am devoted to their success.” |
Francis Howell Middle School | | Instrumental Music Director |
| | Keely Abeln |
As the instrumental music director, Abeln fosters a passion for music in her students. She encourages them to strive for excellence, and continuously promotes the value of hard work. Abeln supports community engagement and coordinates special student concerts at venues throughout St. Louis. In 2010, she developed the Family and Friends Band, which includes parents, faculty, community members and current and former students. |
 | Theresa Berendes | | Resurrection School | | Principal |
2012-2013 Region 2 Honoree | | "I firmly believe that it is because of my love of teaching that I am able to be an effective principal. I welcome the opportunity to work with students both with their academics as well as the choices they make. Teachers, students, and their parents know that my door is always open." |
Resurrection School | | Principal |
| | Theresa Berendes |
As principal, Berendes feels that no job is too small for her when it comes to improving her school. From greeting parents and students each morning to tutoring groups of students in math after school, Berendes is a dedicated and hands-on educator. Before becoming a principal, she taught mathematics for grades six through eight. She relates to her faculty and staff and continuously provides support, encouragement and guidance to educators at her school. She is passionate about education and sees herself as a teacher of teachers. |  | Megan Wright | | Helfrich Park STEM Academy | | Science/Health Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 2 Honoree | | "In my classroom, I would hope that anyone who drops in would notice the love that fills the room. From the first day my students walk into the room, to when they go off to high school, my students know I will always have an open door for them." |
Helfrich Park STEM Academy | | Science/Health Teacher |
| | Megan Wright |
As a sixth grade teacher, Wright is an energetic educator who helps students explore the world around them. She creates an interactive learning environment where students are excited to learn about the solar system, ocean life, weather and atmosphere. Wright collaborates with professors at the University of Southern Indiana and her students are engaged in labs at the university throughout the year. She also coordinates unique field trips to places like Alcoa Aluminum where students learn about plant emissions and the effect on the environment, non-renewable resources and metallurgy. |
 | Brynna Vogt | | Craig Middle School | | Science Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 5 Honoree | | "I believe in relevant, hands-on, big picture learning, and that I’m teaching children much more than content. The professional development opportunities I take advantage of allow me to bring ever-changing techniques back to my students and colleagues." |
Craig Middle School | | Science Teacher |
| | Brynna Vogt |
As a seventh grade science teacher, Vogt is dedicated to going above and beyond for the school’s science program. She designed the CSI Craig class, and has been instrumental in making Craig Middle School more environmentally friendly by securing a grant that will establish a recycling program and allow for a school garden. Vogt is also taking charge in her students’ lives by implementing her school’s first gifted and talented program and running Model United Nations. She is involved in Girls on the Run, which helps young girls at her school train for 5K races. She has served as a representative on the local education association and numerous other committees for Moffat County Schools. |  | Paul Rynkiewich | | North Posey High School | | Teacher and Coach |
2012-2013 Region 2 Honoree | | "Whether it is announcing ball games, lining off and mowing practice fields, emceeing a pep session, driving a bus or taping an ankle, I want to be a steward for our school and students." |
North Posey High School | | Teacher and Coach |
| | Paul Rynkiewich |
As a football coach and history teacher, Paul instills the values of dedication and commitment among his students daily, while bringing excitement and enthusiasm to his leadership roles at North Posey High. He strives to be a role model to his students and players in hopes of fully preparing them for the world beyond the classroom. He has been a vital part of North Posey’s educational successes throughout the past few years. He was instrumental in establishing the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle and instituted anthropology in the school’s curriculum. He also teaches advanced college credit courses to prepare his students for their life at the undergraduate level. |
 | John Sutton | | Gallatin Jr./Sr. High School | | Agriculture Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 2 Honoree | | "One of life’s most important lessons is learning how to work. It's only after we are willing to learn. Knowing a trade or profession enables us to earn a living. The end result then becomes the realization that we need to live to serve our fellow man." |
Gallatin Jr./Sr. High School | | Agriculture Teacher |
| | John Sutton |
As the agriculture teacher, Sutton leads by example and is an influential and caring role model for his students. He is the person students turn to in times of need. Whether it’s helping to decorate the gym for the Homecoming Dance, working the concession stand at a ballgame or building and repairing something at the school, Sutton is always there to help out. He goes above and beyond to support students and attends almost all of the school’s athletic events to cheer on student athletes. |  | Lisa Flamion | | Jasper Middle School | | Social Worker |
2012-2013 Region 3 Honoree | | "As a social worker in a school system my goal is to educate students not only in academic areas but in their social, emotional, and physical health as well. I want all students at Jasper Middle School to realize that the stigma associated with seeing a counselor or therapist is just that…stigma." |
Jasper Middle School | | Social Worker |
| | Lisa Flamion |
Flamion, a social worker at Jasper Middle School, strives to educate her students on their social, emotional and physical health. She deeply cares about her students’ well-being outside the classroom, and as a result of this, maintains a clothes closet and keeps personal hygiene products on hand at school for her kids in need. Flamion serves on the school’s Drug Task Force, Adolescent Substance Abuse Prevention Program and the Prevent Child Abuse Council. She is also a trainer for the QPR Suicide Prevention Program and arranges lectures to educate her co-workers on ADHD, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, and their effects on children. |
 | Farrell Shelton | | Eureka High School | | Social Studies Teacher and Head Varsity Football Coach |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "Teaching values allows students to consider how they will treat others as a leader. When I look at successful teams, camaraderie is the main characteristic that I see and this is enhanced when the best players serve others and are not there for their personal glory." |
Eureka High School | | Social Studies Teacher and Head Varsity Football Coach |
| | Farrell Shelton |
As a social studies teacher and head varsity football coach, Shelton encourages his students to become positive and compassionate leaders in the community. In the classroom and on the football field, he helps students develop a vision of what they want to accomplish and how they can help make a difference. Farrell makes everyone feel like they are part of the team and invites students with developmental disabilities to participate in sports by helping to keep score or handing out water to players. |  | Patty Wilbanks | | Oakdale Elementary School | | Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 2 Honoree | | "I want parents to be able to turn to me for support in their questions and concerns. Though I don't always have the answers, I do try to find out what I can and follow-up with the parents. If I say I am going to do something, I do it." |
Oakdale Elementary School | | Teacher |
| | Patty Wilbanks |
As a teacher for more than 40 years, Wilbanks is a positive influence on the students, staff and community she serves. She maintains great relationships with her students and continuously looks for new and innovative ways to challenge her students to achieve their very best. She is an active member of the school community and is the driving force behind the Accelerated Reading Program at her school. Wilbanks has also been a major leader in helping her school to improve ISTEP testing scores. |
 | Dr. Tara Jenkins | | Hymera Elementary School | | Principal |
2012-2013 Region 3 Honoree | | "In today's educational system, it is essential for administrators to be innovative and open-minded. If students are going to be given a chance to reach their full potential, the educational leader must enact a stabilization process, since the make-up of families, technology, curriculum, and educational agenda are in a constant state of change. The administrator must lead the school environment in such a way that benefits all students." |
Hymera Elementary School | | Principal |
| | Dr. Tara Jenkins |
As Hymera Elementary’s principal, Dr. Jenkins dedicates herself to ensuring that all her teachers have what they need to properly teach the school’s curriculum. She was instrumental in Hymera Elementary’s earning of an “A” rating from the Indiana Department of Education for the past two years. Under her leadership in her six years as principal, Hymera has moved from a 46 percent pass rate to an 87.7 percent pass rate on the State of Indiana’s school exam. Dr. Jenkins also serves as the high ability coordinator for the Northeast School Corporation, in which she writes grants and collaborates with her fellow team members in developing new curriculum. |  | James Garbutt | | Southridge Elementary School | | Physical Education / Health Education Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 4 Honoree | | "I say, "Students, here is the hope you can expect as you learn and apply these standards that I am teaching you today." They see the hope, it serves to motivate them, and we are on our way!" |
Southridge Elementary School | | Physical Education / Health Education Teacher |
| | James Garbutt |
As physical and health education teacher, Garbutt encourages his students to get active and enjoy fitness. He creates classes that are energetic, all-inclusive, and simply fun for children. He is a role model for his students and an outdoor educator certified through the Wyoming Game and Fish. Garbutt introduces students to archery, snowshoeing, skiing and many other outdoor activities to foster a lifelong love of nature in his students. |
 | Susan Sullivan | | Chesterfield Day School | | Math Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "Teaching has been my passion for as long as I can remember; it has been a career, not a job, and one requiring me to model lifelong learning." |
Chesterfield Day School | | Math Teacher |
| | Susan Sullivan |
Sullivan takes the term “math teacher” to a whole new level by incorporating innovative techniques to keep math learning at Chesterfield Day School at a high standard. She adopted the Singapore Math curriculum and is responsible for spearheading efforts to allow her students to operate the school’s store, in which they have a hand in store operations such as purchasing, pricing, managing and selling inventory. Sullivan’s outside-the-box teaching methods helped her students win 13 Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics Awards this year. |  | Donna Dunlap | | Haubstadt Community School | | Teacher / Coach |
2012-2013 Region 3 Honoree | | "My philosophy of leadership in education is driven by several simple principles. I believe the most important of all is integrity. A leader must be honest, fair, and lead by example." |
Haubstadt Community School | | Teacher / Coach |
| | Donna Dunlap |
As a second grade teacher, Dunlap is honest, fair and leads by example in the classroom. She is dedicated to her school community and volunteers her time with many extracurricular activities. She recently earned a grant to introduce technology and Nexus 7 tablets into classrooms to advance student learning. She also produced and coordinated a summer reading and writing camp for second and third grade students. Dunlap’s commitment to her students is validated by the many workshops she attends to continue to learn and improve her teaching skills. |
 | Tyler Hartl | | Hillcrest Elementary | | Physical Education Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 4 Honoree | | "I believe that kids learn their best when learning and movement are used together. I implement movement concepts in my classroom that are tied to brain based research. I build students' health and fitness, but more importantly I focus on their brain growth and development." |
Hillcrest Elementary | | Physical Education Teacher |
| | Tyler Hartl |
As a physical education teacher, Hartl builds students’ health and fitness while focusing on their brain growth and development. He encourages his students to take P.E. to “grow their brains” and urges them to use it as a doorway to learning. He believes in building healthy, active learners who understand how their movements will help them in the classroom. Hartl created Hillcrest’s character education program to supplement their Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS). His program molds the climate and culture of the school to create positive teaching of behaviors and expectations. He collaborates with his fellow teachers to implement and support programs such as Action Based Learning Labs and Ready Bodies/Learning Minds. |  | Kelly Longo | | Francis Howell High School | | Communication Arts Department Chair and Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "I hold my students to high expectations, but also give them the personal supports they need along the way to reach success. I challenge them to excel, which in turn brings about self-pride." |
Francis Howell High School | | Communication Arts Department Chair and Teacher |
| | Kelly Longo |
As teacher and chair of the communication arts department, Longo strives to challenge her students to excel daily and believes her mission is to enhance and improve the lives of those entrusted to her through education. She helped develop the school’s Response to Intervention program, which helps ensure every student is reading at their grade level. The program was recognized by the Missouri Department of Education and Secondary Education as the model for other schools to follow. |
 | Brenda Weyer | | Pine Ridge Elementary | | Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 3 Honoree | | "Providing a positive classroom environment is very important to me. If students feel comfortable and valued as a member of our classroom family, they will succeed in school and in the bigger picture of life." |
Pine Ridge Elementary | | Teacher |
| | Brenda Weyer |
A third grade teacher, Brenda is passionate about educating Pine Ridge’s students and is a firm believer in effective communication between teachers and parents. She is also a leader by example. She created the Vision 2000 program for her school, which set out to build the foundations of character – respect, caring, courage, responsibility, honesty, cooperation and self-control – within Pine Ridge’s students. In addition to teaching, she is a member of the Dubois County Reading Council and served on Pine Ridge’s committee for The School Improvement Plan. She won the Positive Educator Award in 2004 and 2006. |  | Rich Bickel | | O'Fallon Township High School | | Principal |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "I believe the most effective leadership is rooted in the ability to inspire people to achieve success. I have devoted my entire adult life to seeking methods and opportunities for advancing student excellence on every front within the educational arena." |
O'Fallon Township High School | | Principal |
| | Rich Bickel |
As a beloved and respected principal and school leader, Bickel inspires educators and students to achieve success. He is devoted to education and has served in every capacity—from substitute teacher and Early Bird class instructor to head coach and department chair. His passion for improved education is infectious as he encourages everyone in the school community to strive for their own personal best. |
 | Brittany Forler | | Chrisney Elementary School | | Lead/Special Education Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 2 Honoree | | "As a special education teacher I believe that all students should be included in the classroom. Therefore, I have the opportunity to collaborate and team-teach in different classrooms in our building. I also believe that all students should be encouraged to take every opportunity to learn, grow and reach personal goals." |
Chrisney Elementary School | | Lead/Special Education Teacher |
| | Brittany Forler |
As a special education teacher, Forler believes that all students should be included in the classroom. She encourages her students to take every opportunity to learn, grow and reach personal goals. She was recently named lead teacher for her school, and in this role she guides and assists her colleagues when the principal is unavailable. Forler also promotes science, technology and math through programs including, Lego Robotics, VEX Robotics and Minds in Motion. |  | Liisaan Cooper | | Campbell County High School | | English Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 4 Honoree | | "My philosophy of education is to facilitate learning for my students in an engaging manner. If students are engaged, they will learn more and remember the material longer. When students understand the relevance and significance, it leads to higher quality results, because it allows them to take ownership for their learning." |
Campbell County High School | | English Teacher |
| | Liisaan Cooper |
As an English teacher at Campbell County High, Cooper demonstrates what it means to be an effective leader to her students and strives to improve literacy in her school. She heads the Sophomore English Professional Learning Community, in which she works with her team to establish student and professional goals, and implement the Common Core Standards in order to effectively improve students’ literary skills. Cooper also promotes her school’s book club. She writes grants each year to receive funding for books and organizes monthly book club meetings. |
 | Therese Hembruch | | Triad Middle School | | 7th Grade Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "Students need to see and hear information, but also feel and move while learning. When lessons are presented with different learning styles in mind, deeper connections are formed for students." |
Triad Middle School | | 7th Grade Teacher |
| | Therese Hembruch |
Hembruch is a creative educator who incorporates movement and interaction in her lessons. As a former dancer, she takes kinesthetic learning to a whole new level with unique hands-on learning experiences. Her students participate in a meiosis square dance when studying cells in science class. In social studies, Therese has her students meet in the gym to re-enact the Battle of Bunker Hill. She is a life-long learner who encourages her students to feel and move while learning. |  | Jessica Hopkins | | Cedar Hall Community School | | Third Grade Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 2 Honoree | | "In my classroom, I am the leader, a listener, an encourager, and a resource. I strive to make every student feel important and valuable. They can always talk to me and often do about things or situations that are bothering them or things that they are proud of. I feel that I am their stable place when they come to class every day." |
Cedar Hall Community School | | Third Grade Teacher |
| | Jessica Hopkins |
As a third grade teacher, Hopkins strives to make every student feel important and valued. She introduced a behavior management program at her school that is focused on positive reinforcement. Serving as the Positive Behavior and Supports Coach, she engages and educates the entire faculty and staff on childhood development and encourages fellow educators to create an exciting and warm learning environment that rewards students for good behavior. Hopkins’ leadership changed the culture of her school, allowing students to achieve their maximum potential in an atmosphere supported by the home and the community. |
 | Matthew Phillips | | Brown Elementary School | | Principal |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "As a leader, I need to think about what the students and the community will need long after I am gone and help develop sustainable systems which allow for renewal and growth." |
Brown Elementary School | | Principal |
| | Matthew Phillips |
As principal of his school, Phillips fosters a nurturing and collaborative community where everyone is invested in academic excellence. He focuses on teaching students to be respectful and responsible by setting high expectations. Phillips is committed to the success of his students and takes great pride in ensuring that multicultural diversity is celebrated at his school. |  | Laura Voorhees | | Hayden Valley Elementary | | Kindergarten Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 5 Honoree | | "My involvement in district planning, commitment to continued education, and passion for innovative learning has guided my career and made me the teacher I am today." |
Hayden Valley Elementary | | Kindergarten Teacher |
| | Laura Voorhees |
As a kindergarten teacher, Voorhees puts her students’ needs first and finds unique ways to collaborate, share ideas and implement new strategies in order for her students to have a successful learning experience. She incorporates technology in her lessons and was chosen to participate in Microsoft’s U.S. Innovative Education Forum where she collaborated with teachers from around the nation about the role technology in early childhood education. Voorhees an excellent communicator and encourages parents to get involved in the classroom through her website, where she posts pictures and videos from classroom activities. |
 | Rhonda R.Cundiff | | Oakdale Elementary School | | Custodian |
2012-2013 Region 2 Honoree | | "When students work with me on projects, I teach them life-skills, such as taking responsibility for and following through on a task. I emphasize problem-solviing, respect for others and property." |
Oakdale Elementary School | | Custodian |
| | Rhonda R.Cundiff |
As Oakdale’s custodian, Cundiff takes her role in the school above and beyond her call of duty. She leads the school’s rewards system, in which students, including at-risk and disabled children, get the chance to work with her on school grounds and contribute to the school’s daily operations. She developed the School News Bulletin Board that is on display in the cafeteria, and utilizes student reporters to post information on a weekly basis and introduce new students. Rhonda keeps students motivated and teaches them about what it takes to keep a school running. |  | Julie Burchett | | Webster Groves High School | | Social Studies and Experiential Learning Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "Education should provide opportunities to connect to the outside world. This can be done through innovative collaborations with other educational institutions, service organizations, and community business partners." |
Webster Groves High School | | Social Studies and Experiential Learning Teacher |
| | Julie Burchett |
Burchett is a social studies teacher and coordinator of non-traditional and experimental learning at the high school. She dedicates herself to creating extracurricular programs that pave the way for her students to achieve success. She created Webster Groves High’s Statesman Center, a program that helps students in at-risk situations accomplish their goals, and the Experiential Learning Center, which provides all students with means to apply their classroom education to real-world experiences. Burchett strives to develop ways in which her students can take action in the world around them. |
 | Robert Hoffman | | Meadowlark Elementary | | Kindergarten Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 4 Honoree | | "My most important responsibility as a teacher is to give students the tools and skills they need to continue to learn and grow throughout their lives. I want each student to know they are capable of being successful regardless of race, gender, and socio-economic status." |
Meadowlark Elementary | | Kindergarten Teacher |
| | Robert Hoffman |
As a kindergarten teacher, Hoffman gets his students started on the right path as he provides the tools and skills they need to learn and grow. He is an advocate for children and encourages students to take ownership of their behavior and learning. He has successfully completed a comprehensive, three-year induction program, advanced training program for working with students with learning disabilities and is currently working on his master’s degree. Hoffman is also the afterschool clubs director and creates an engaging and safe environment for students. |  | Shannon Bauer | | Ireland Elementary School | | Third Grade Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 3 Honoree | | "Teaching has been that true fit for me. Every day is a day to make differences in the lives of children. I am truly blessed to have that opportunity every single day." |
Ireland Elementary School | | Third Grade Teacher |
| | Shannon Bauer |
As a third grade teacher, Bauer believes that each and every student has great potential to learn and grow as an individual. She encourages her students to respect themselves and others and to always reach for the stars. Bauer spends long hours preparing for her students to create a challenging, yet exciting learning environment. She developed the Paragraph of the Week program to improve students’ writing skills and to help them prepare for state testing. She is also active in the school community and serves as the Spell Bowl director and the High Ability coordinator. |
 | Travis Klein | | Illini Elementary School | | Principal |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "You can never go wrong with a decision as long as you have asked yourself: "Is this what is best for kids?" This kid-centered attitude is what has always guided my career, brought me great success, and happiness in my work." |
Illini Elementary School | | Principal |
| | Travis Klein |
As principal, Klein is dedicated to character education and encourages his students, faculty and staff to give back to the community. He gets his school involved in a variety of service programs throughout the year including, the St. Jude Hero Run, Candy for Troops, Toys for Tots, the Lymphoma Society’s Pennies for Pasta, in addition to various food and blood drives. He also strives to get parents engaged in school activities and has organized family trivia nights and monthly parent breakfasts. |  | Karen Hinderliter | | Corpus Christi School | | Kindergarten Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 2 Honoree | | "I work to instill in my students a curiousity that will take them beyond their early years and encourage them to explore their world, learn to contribute in meaningful ways and gain an understanding of who they are as a community of people." |
Corpus Christi School | | Kindergarten Teacher |
| | Karen Hinderliter |
As a kindergarten teacher at Corpus Christi for the past 20 years, Hinderliter’s philosophy of leadership in education focuses on helping children identify their strengths and interests, gain confidence as independent learners and seek knowledge routinely in everyday experiences. She works to instill a curiosity in her students that encourages them to explore the world around them. She is also dedicated to continuing in her professional growth as well. In addition, she participates in programs such as Teacher Leader training, Minds in Motion, Differentiated Instruction and Marian Educational Outreach. |
 | Tina Goffinet | | Ferdinand Elementary | | Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 3 Honoree | | "As the morning pledge in our room says, "We are striving to become life-long learners, and, in that process, to care very much for one another." It is my desire to influence my students in this way and make a lasting impact on their lives." |
Ferdinand Elementary | | Teacher |
| | Tina Goffinet |
As a fourth grade teacher with more than 24 years experience, Goffinet is a master at connecting with her students. Her teaching methods are unique and get students active and engaged. Whether her students are playing a review game or singing the “preposition song” in the hallways, Goffinet ensures that children have fun while learning. Outside of the classroom, she strongly supports her community. For the past several years she has led students in a fundraising effort to raise thousands of dollars for Riley Hospital. She serves on numerous committees and coordinates Grandparent’s Day, the spelling bee and the school’s High Ability program. |  | Phyllis Sundstrom | | Newcastle High School | | At-Risk Classroom Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 4 Honoree | | "For me, being a teacher began as a profession but became who I am as a person. Whether at school in my classoom or working with others in the community, I constantly find myself in the role of educator." |
Newcastle High School | | At-Risk Classroom Teacher |
| | Phyllis Sundstrom |
As teacher in the School-Within-A-School program, Sundstrom works one-on-one with students who are in danger of not graduating due to a variety of academic, home or health issues. She provides strong guidance and believes that all students can succeed. In turn, her encouragement helps her students believe in themselves. She serves as the English Department Chair and as a member of the Curriculum Coordinating Council. She has served as the English Department Chair and as a member of the Curriculum Coordinating Council. |
 | Karen Olsen | | Collinsville High School | | School Counselor |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "I get to know my students on a personal level. This can be rather challenging, but I know that students need a counselor who cares about them personally and who has a connection with them. As this rapport is built, the student and I work together to discover what career and educational path they should pursue. Together we plan their future." |
Collinsville High School | | School Counselor |
| | Karen Olsen |
As school counselor, Olsen is an advocate for students as she helps them realize their dreams for the future. She offers sincere support and social, emotional and career counseling to more than 430 students. She has spearheaded programs to recognize student achievement and introduce students to a variety of unique career opportunities. |  | Kevin Kleckler | | Hayden High School | | Welding and Automotive Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 5 Honoree | | "I don't simply teach Vocational Technology. I teach young minds - I teach your most precious gift - your child. I will create a warm, caring, positive learning atmosphere which will foster individual strength and creativity. In return, I expect your child to treat me with dignity and respect." |
Hayden High School | | Welding and Automotive Teacher |
| | Kevin Kleckler |
As the welding and automotive teacher, Kleckler has built the vocational tech program at Hayden High School into one of the best in Colorado. He is devoted to helping students succeed and learn new skills. With overwhelming support from the community, Kleckler raised $1.6 million dollars to build the state-of-the-art Babson-Carpenter Career and Technical Education Center. He teaches students college credit certification classes for welding, structural engineering and automotive. He also reached out to the broader community, offering night certification classes for welding and automotive. Kleckler served as the football coach, track and field coach and the district athletic/activities director. |
 | Jennifer Haney | | Community School | | Upper Division Music and Choral Director |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "I feel strongly that is it my responsibility to make my music room a safe learning environment where all students can thrive, be themselves, and reach their utmost potential. Not just the aural learner, but the visual and tactile learner as well." |
Community School | | Upper Division Music and Choral Director |
| | Jennifer Haney |
Haney believes education is a partnership between the community, parents, students and educators. As a music teacher, she collaborates with classroom teachers and specialists to execute an innovative arts integration program within the school’s upper-division academic and music curriculum. Jennifer also introduced a new chorus elective class, which puts on several concerts a year. In addition, she serves on the school’s Arts Integration and Research and Development committees. |  | Carrie Walker | | Lynnville Elementary School | | Kindergarten Teacher and Kindergarten/First Grade Special Education Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 2 Honoree | | "I strive to be a leader in my school and my community by being involved and willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. My compassion and commitment to my students, school, and community help make me a better teacher and leader." |
Lynnville Elementary School | | Kindergarten Teacher and Kindergarten/First Grade Special Education Teacher |
| | Carrie Walker |
As a kindergarten and special education teacher, Walker strives to provide students with a safe, challenging and caring learning environment. She is a team player, which is illustrated by her diligent collaboration with fellow teachers. She has earned grants for the kindergarten program, which helped to expand reading resources and introduce literacy stations and iPad technology in the classroom. Walker is actively involved in the local community, which strengthens her relationships with her students’ parents. Her work to build a solid academic foundation for students will support their life-long learning. |
 | Bradley Behrmann | | Notre Dame High School | | Director of Music and Journalism Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "Leaders in education recognize the mind does not operate independently from the heart and soul. I have greater goals for my students than learning to read quarter notes or citing a source properly. My hope is that they will touch beauty, feel deeply, lover others, and know God." |
Notre Dame High School | | Director of Music and Journalism Teacher |
| | Bradley Behrmann |
Behrmann excels in teaching students to love the visual and performing arts. In addition to award-winning school productions, he creates opportunities for students to perform for the broader St. Louis community at the Cathedral Basilica, Our Lady of the Snows Shrine, at nursing homes and charitable events throughout the area. His students achieve accolades at state music and journalism competitions and have received gold star awards from The Cappies for being top performers among area high school stage artists. |  | Lisa Pingrey | | Douglas High School | | Chemistry Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 4 Honoree | | "I strive to set an example in my classroom and have appreciated the people in my life who have provided guidance and mentoring to me and hope that I am able to do the same for others." |
Douglas High School | | Chemistry Teacher |
| | Lisa Pingrey |
As a chemistry teacher, Pingrey encourages her students to go a step above and beyond what they, or others, might expect of them. In the classroom, she is supportive of her students and makes sure that no one falls behind or feels left out. She gets her class engaged in learning and creates unique hands-on science experiment activities. She takes the time to get kids involved in academic and extracurricular activities, such as science and technology competitions. Active in the school community, Pingrey also serves as the assistant cross country coach. |
 | Marvin Susott | | Gibson Southern High School | | Social Studies Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 3 Honoree | | "I believe a teacher is one of the most important leadership roles in society. Teachers are leaders and role models for both future generations and the community. In many instances, a teacher is the only positive role model a student may have." |
Gibson Southern High School | | Social Studies Teacher |
| | Marvin Susott |
As a social studies teacher, Susott makes world history come alive for his students. In 2006, Marvin was a recipient of the Lilly Teacher Creativity Endowment award. He used this award to walk across England, following Hadrian’s Wall. He also participated in an archaeological dig. All of this was to enable him to better teach students on these subjects. Susott exemplifies leadership in education in other ways, such as continuing his education at Indiana State University to obtain his PhD. |  | Missy McNabb | | Corpus Christi School | | Language Arts and Religion Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 2 Honoree | | "My goal each day of my teaching career is to make ever interaction with a student, parent, fellow teacher, or administrator one that is inspiring and uplifting and leaves them motivated to continue working hard." |
Corpus Christi School | | Language Arts and Religion Teacher |
| | Missy McNabb |
As a sixth, seventh and eighth grade language arts and religion teacher, McNabb has an innate ability to combine the intellectual with the arts and the spiritual. She understands the value of providing students with a stable learning environment outside the classroom. Last year, she began the Einstein Academy, which provides a safe, quiet, and teacher-led learning lab for her students to help them deal with their individual academic challenges. She is also heavily involved in her school’s congregation and serves as a leader of the weekly school Masses through music rehearsals, programming instruction and ongoing biblical teaching of the Scripture. McNabb’s outstanding work ethic paves the way for her to be a motivational and spiritual leader at Corpus Christi. |
 | Kathy Deepe | | Hayden Valley Elementary | | Classroom Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 5 Honoree | | "I write a poem for each of my 3rd grade students leaving my classroom. On the last day of school, their poem is read to each of them as a personal tribute. I feel each student should leave my room knowing how much they have changed my life." |
Hayden Valley Elementary | | Classroom Teacher |
| | Kathy Deepe |
As a second and third grade teacher, Kathy teaches her students how to appreciate and embrace their true abilities, which promotes and develops their success as independent learners. She believes in creating a positive and supportive connection with each of her students. At the end of the school year, she writes a poem dedicated to each one of her outgoing students and reads it to them as a personal tribute. Kathy also understands the importance of a classroom drama program. She established Class Act Productions, which provides third to 12th grade students opportunities to express themselves at an annual theater production. Since its implementation, Kathy has directed eight plays and invites members of the community to participate as well. |  | Maggie Klonsky | | Marian Middle School | | Language Arts Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "I strive to ensure that instruction is relevant and purposeful to engage students. In my lessons, I use their interests and real-world purposes to make the learning more meaningful." |
Marian Middle School | | Language Arts Teacher |
| | Maggie Klonsky |
As a language arts teacher, Klonsky believes literacy is the key to a student’s ultimate empowerment. She leads a school-wide reading program in which students work towards individual goals and receive public recognition for accomplishing them. Last year, she received a grant that allowed her to visit 15 of the school’s most struggling readers in their homes to give them high-interest books and teach their parents strategies for boosting their reading performance. |
 | DeAnn Roby-Whitney | | Newcastle High School | | Paraprofessional |
2012-2013 Region 4 Honoree | | "I believe that good study skills are the beginning of good work habits, and determine how easily our students will transition into adulthood. As I work with students, I try to explain how they can use these skills in life, and try to give students ways to be better organized and more efficient." |
Newcastle High School | | Paraprofessional |
| | DeAnn Roby-Whitney |
As paraprofessional, Roby-Whitney is dedicated to helping her students with disabilities prepare for adulthood. Her patient and calm nature guides students to learn good work habits and study skills. She believes that work in the classroom teaches students not only academics, but also important life skills such as, time management, effective communication, social skills and a strong work ethic. Roby-Whitney is an active member of her school’s tutoring and student support program and serves on the Discussion Team, a group that determines what new education projects will be funded in the classroom. |  | Stephen Schwartz | | Valley Park Elementary School | | First Grade Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "I like to think of my methods as similar to that of Sherlock Holmes. He prepares for his mysteries by learning everything he can about a case and meticulously going over each detail. This is what I do in the classroom. My students are the mysteries that I spend hours researching, thinking and implementing countless methods until I find the correct one. My philosophy of education is to never give up." |
Valley Park Elementary School | | First Grade Teacher |
| | Stephen Schwartz |
Stephen is a passionate teacher who gets students excited about learning. He motivates his students to be active participants in the learning process. With the use of music, costumes and props, his lessons are always unique. He secured grant funding for the Challenger Learning Center, a mini-NASA experience, so that all students could learn what it’s like to be an astronaut for a day. |
 | Randall Sickbert | | Ferdinand Elementary School | | Maintenance Supervisor |
2012-2013 Region 3 Honoree | | "A student who has a good attitude can accomplish much no matter what they have at hand. That is what I try to do. With each person I interact with at school, to leave them with a positive moment, to help them have an attitude that leaves them desiring to be better than they were a moment ago." |
Ferdinand Elementary School | | Maintenance Supervisor |
| | Randall Sickbert |
As maintenance supervisor, Sickbert takes pride in his school and truly cares about students at Ferdinand Elementary. He takes time out to simply talk with a child who needs extra encouragement and he is an expert at knowing how to brighten a student’s day. Sickbert is actively involved in the school community and serves as Boy Scout leader, chairman of the Veterans Day Program, and even takes on roles in the community historical play. |  | Lori Hornstein | | Hayden Valley Elementary School | | First Grade Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 5 Honoree | | "My educational practices center on my students. I devote many extra hours in search of new knowledge and skills to increase my teaching abilities. As a teacher leader, I take responsibility for school effectiveness and I am committed to improving educational practices at Hayden elementary School for all students." |
Hayden Valley Elementary School | | First Grade Teacher |
| | Lori Hornstein |
As a teacher for more than 26 years, Hornstein is a master educator who motivates her students to strive for excellence. She feels a special responsibility to continuously improve educational practices that advance student performance. She contributes to school wide decision-making by developing curriculum, mentoring new teachers and helping to facilitate professional growth opportunities. She has volunteered her time as a member of numerous committees such as professional learning communities, Response to Intervention programs and mentoring committees. |
 | Phil Sheldon | | Wright Jr/Sr High School | | 7th and 8th Grade Science Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 4 Honoree | | "I feel that the most important task of a teacher is to improve the quality of their instruction so students receive the best possible education. Throughout my 28 years of teaching, I have made a concerted effort to learn about and implement instructional strategies that are shown by research to be effective in raising student achievement." |
Wright Jr/Sr High School | | 7th and 8th Grade Science Teacher |
| | Phil Sheldon |
With a sincere passion for learning and a contagious sense of humor, Sheldon easily motivates his students to become engaged in his classroom. He is an expert science teacher, chair of the science department and leader of the junior high school’s professional learning community. Throughout his 28-year career, he has connected with students on a personal level. He created a character education club for male students to encourage them to help others in the community. The group even helped an elderly woman with repair work on her home and yard. Sheldon took pride in watching the students grow as compassionate individuals. |  | Paula Duzik | | Moffat County High School | | Counselor |
2012-2013 Region 5 Honoree | | "As a school counselor, much of my job is based on listening to others and leading them to solutions that are workable for them. I practice this with the students, parents, and educators that I work with. Being heard is a basic need and when people feel like their opinion matters, it most often leads to positive relationships and productive collaboration." |
Moffat County High School | | Counselor |
| | Paula Duzik |
As Moffat County High’s school counselor, Paula leads and contributes to many different school programs. For example, she spearheaded the Freshman Mentoring Program, which freshmen took during their first semester and worked on transitioning skills, academic and career planning, and personal exploration. She also began a school-wide advisory system, which helps students in creating, revising and implementing an Individual Career and Academic Plan. Paula creates the program’s curriculum based on the Colorado State Standards, then leads teachers in the implementation of each lesson of the ICAP. She is always serving as a resource to her fellow professionals as they support and carry out the school’s curriculum. |
 | Laura Gallaher | | St. Gabriel the Archangel School | | 2nd Grade Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "As a teacher, it is my responsibility to create an environment filled with activities that will stimulate the desire to learn. Each student has his/her own learning style; therefore, I use differentiated instruction in my classroom to meet each child's needs." |
St. Gabriel the Archangel School | | 2nd Grade Teacher |
| | Laura Gallaher |
As a second grade teacher, Gallaher’s classroom is a caring, safe and fun environment, where each student blossoms and grows. She encourages students to become responsible members of the classroom community by using strategies, such as class meetings, positive discipline and self-monitored student jobs. In showing students how to become responsible for themselves, she teaches them how to live successfully and become leaders. Gallaher understands the unique needs of students with hyperactivity, or attention deficit disorders, and incorporates the right amount of movement in the day to meet each child’s unique sensory needs. |  | Marci Holte | | Buffalo Ridge Elementary School | | Kindergarten Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 4 Honoree | | "Family support is a vital part of a child's success in education. As a leader in education, I believe keeping parents informed and welcoming them in the classroom promotes parent involvement." |
Buffalo Ridge Elementary School | | Kindergarten Teacher |
| | Marci Holte |
As a kindergarten teacher at Buffalo Ridge, Holte believes family support is a vital piece of a child’s success. She keeps parents informed with weekly newsletters and offers ideas of activities they can do with their children at home to reinforce what they are learning in class, thereby setting out to always keep parents informed of their child’s progress. In addition, she mentors other area teachers who are in their first years of teaching, offering advice on classroom management and leadership skills, as well as inspiring them to fully utilize creativity in the classroom. |
 | Tiffany Dill | | Parkview Elementary School | | Special Education Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "It is my personal mission to work cooperatively with families, students, community, colleagues, and other professionals in order to promote each student's success and well-being as he/she prepares for their future." |
Parkview Elementary School | | Special Education Teacher |
| | Tiffany Dill |
Starting her career working as a high school teacher, Dill implemented a program to help struggling students and founded a program to help students prepare for college. Her successes in establishing these programs led to her hiring at Parkview Elementary as a special education teacher. Dill is dedicated to identifying and meeting the diverse needs of students through individualized education. She realizes the most diverse needs of her special education students deal with communication, and she strives to give each of them a voice. |  | Marilyn Brandsasse | | Otwell Elementary School | | Art & Music Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 3 Honoree | | "If you keep their attention and earn their trust and respect by using positives, and teach the subjects with a vibrant approach, their minds will readily absorb and retain the information presented." |
Otwell Elementary School | | Art & Music Teacher |
| | Marilyn Brandsasse |
Brandsasse, Otwell’s art and music teacher, believes keeping her curriculum interesting, exciting and fun; and teaching with a vibrant approach will help her students’ young minds readily absorb and retain the information she presents. Outside the classroom, she encourages and recognizes good attendance by chairing Otwell’s school attendance program. In addition, she produces the school’s annual Christmas program and organized a school-wide fundraiser to benefit the victims of the Japanese tsunami. Brandsasse has also served on the Pike County Commission for Arts Promotion and Education and on the Board of Trustees for the Pike County Public Library. |
 | Teresa Brengle | | Douglas Primary School | | Kindergarten Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 4 Honoree | | "My philosophy is children with special needs learn best from their peers and the best place for them is in the classroom. I adapt my lesson plans for all learning styles and make adaptations for students with special needs so they can be included in all areas of the classroom from calendar to language arts." |
Douglas Primary School | | Kindergarten Teacher |
| | Teresa Brengle |
As a kindergarten teacher, Brengle ensures that every student gets what they need in the classroom. She adapts her lesson plans for all learning styles, including for her special needs students. She believes that children with special needs learn from their peers and encourages her students to interact with each other in the classroom. Brengle is trained through the Pyramid Model Social Emotional Competence program. Through this program, she became educated and coached to work with students with severe challenging behaviors. |  | Christopher Preston | | Parkway North High School | | Teacher, Special School District - Autism Program |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "As educators, our most important job is to provide students with tools to discover answers, not just provide the answers. They will need confidence and skills not only to tackle tests they face in school, but life tests like answering questions at a job interview and managing their households." |
Parkway North High School | | Teacher, Special School District - Autism Program |
| | Christopher Preston |
As leader of the Autism Program at Parkway North, Christopher prepares students for the transition to adulthood. He encourages students to recognize their talents and interests and helps them to prepare for careers after high school. Christopher provides thoughtful training to educate faculty and staff on autism spectrum disorder. His work helps ensure that students have the best experience possible and teachers have the tools they need to help students with autism. |
 | Jenna Schneider | | Marissa Elementary School | | 2nd Grade Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "I spend countless hours creating lessons, games, and activities to make learning fun and more meaningful to my students. Once I find or create something I think will benefit a particular grade or ability level, I share it with my colleagues." |
Marissa Elementary School | | 2nd Grade Teacher |
| | Jenna Schneider |
As a second grade teacher, Schneider believes that she must be a leader for her students inside the classroom as well as a leader for her colleagues and community outside the classroom. To fulfill these roles, Schneider stays active in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), coaches cheerleading and has helped build a successful Response to Intervention program at Marissa Elementary. She understands the power of leading by example, and that as a leader in education, her job is to inspire the people around her to push themselves to be better. |  | Rega Wesley-Stewart | | McCluer High School | | Mathematics Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 1 Honoree | | "You must have the desire to educate every child in your class, regardless of what prior knowledge, experiences, or difficulties they come with. Most importantly, you need a passion for it; you need to love doing it. Teaching has to be in your spirit and soul." |
McCluer High School | | Mathematics Teacher |
| | Rega Wesley-Stewart |
As the mathematics teacher, Wesley-Stewart is dedicated to her school community and is respected by colleagues, students and parents. She encourages her fellow educators to teach with both their hearts and minds and developed motivational videos to inspire and energize faculty and staff. Wesley-Stewart has also created many supportive programs for students, including “Get It Done! Turn it In!,” an initiative to motivate students to turn in assignments on time. |
 | Carol Taylor | | Harrisburg Learning Alternative School | | High School Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 2 Honoree | | "Often children come to school without their basic needs fulfilled, such as food, clothing or emotional support. Without basic needs, children are unable to focus and learn. Ensuring children have their basic needs met should be the first step for educators." |
Harrisburg Learning Alternative School | | High School Teacher |
| | Carol Taylor |
Taylor, a high school instructor, is dedicated to providing a safe environment to educate and mold the leaders of tomorrow. Her first goal of teaching is to assist students in learning the skills needed to survive in the real world and provide an environment where they thrive. She has been instrumental in running Harrisburg Learning Alternative’s Positive Behavior Intervention and Support program. In addition to teaching, she serves on the Transition Planning Committee, which helps teachers, parents and students become aware of the programs available to students with special needs. In the past, she coordinated the Workforce Investment Act in eight counties, in which she helped low-income and special education students in find jobs. |  | Julie Schnell | | Jasper High School | | World History Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 3 Honoree | | "I believe all students should love history as much as I do! I try every day to make history exciting and relevant. I believe they need to memorize the basic historical facts, but I also want my students to be able to think like a historian, compare and contrast, examine multiple perspectives, and look at the origin of today's events." |
Jasper High School | | World History Teacher |
| | Julie Schnell |
Schnell makes world history come alive in her 10th grade classroom by calling her students to think like historians and engaging them with her creative lesson plans. She recreates history’s most famous events, such as the Treaty of Paris signing, and vividly retells the messy marriages of Henry VIII. Schnell has been instrumental in establishing an advance placement world history course that will be offered next year. Outside the classroom, she volunteers for activities such as Students Against Drunk Driving and school dances, and is a member of the School Improvement team and the School Safety Committee. A testament to how much she is respected by her students, Schnell has been named a JHS Positive Influence by senior students multiple times. |
 | Carl Matson | | Meadowlark Elementary School | | 6th Grade Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 4 Honoree | | "Teachers are some of the most influential people in society. It is our job to encourage students to strive to be better than they even believe they can be." |
Meadowlark Elementary School | | 6th Grade Teacher |
| | Carl Matson |
As a sixth grade teacher, Matson creates a classroom environment that is unconventional yet engaging for his students. He’s done everything from dissecting classical music to show story elements to wrestling a large piece of Styrofoam to teach writing with the five senses. Matson’s ultimate goal is to make his students lifelong learners who will go on to make worthwhile contributions to society. Outside the classroom, he leads Meadowlark’s Student Leadership Club, which assists with charity fundraising efforts, community service projects and school assembly productions. Carl is also the head coach of the school’s girl’s soccer team. |  | Joy Clark | | Soda Creek Elementary School | | Lead Custodian |
2012-2013 Region 5 Honoree | | "I see it as my job to support teachers and the kids by providing a clean, safe environment. I work hard to collaborate with my colleagues and to be a strong role model for students." |
Soda Creek Elementary School | | Lead Custodian |
| | Joy Clark |
As the lead custodian for more than 12 years, Clark takes great pride in her school. She continually seeks new ways to improve the learning environment for teachers and students. Dedicated to the school community, she is a role model for students and goes above and beyond to give students encouragement each day. Clark supports teachers to make sure that students are learning and growing. |
 | Arlie Davis | | Newcastle High School | | Special Education Case Manager/Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 4 Honoree | | "I strongly believe that every child has the potential to learn; every child can be reached when they are shown patience, love, and understanding." |
Newcastle High School | | Special Education Case Manager/Teacher |
| | Arlie Davis |
Davis’ teaching philosophy is that every child has the potential to learn and can be reached when they are shown patience, love and understanding. As a special education teacher, he dedicates himself to helping each student develop self-respect, self-esteem, and the ability to succeed in and out of the classroom. He has kept that mentality throughout his 24-year teaching career. Davis also serves as the coordinator for two new school-wide programs that offer students real-world skills through vocational work experiences. He believes in using different methods of presenting lessons that relate to his learners, and sets out to implement structure and discipline to encourage responsibility for development of their personal success. |  | Katie Malone | | Strawberry Park Elementary School | | 4th Grade Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 5 Honoree | | "As a third year classroom teacher, I now plan each lesson with the intent to guide students through their learning process. My goal is to facilitate student centered learning by challenging students through differentiated activities and small group instruction." |
Strawberry Park Elementary School | | 4th Grade Teacher |
| | Katie Malone |
As a fourth grade teacher, Malone creates a supportive classroom environment where every student feels important and capable of learning. She goes above and beyond to help students that are struggling with coursework. In addition to creating a positive classroom, Malone also encourages the entire school community to appreciate and enjoy science learning. Previously a science specialist, she started a Science Club for fifth grade students and also hosted the school’s first annual community family science night with hands-on activities and games for students and their families to enjoy. |
 | Lori Quigley | | Eldorado Middle School | | Math Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 2 Honoree | | "The rewards of teaching do not come in a paycheck. They come when a child masters a concept or achieves a higher level than he or she thought they could have accomplished. It comes with watching them grow and mature into young adults who are not afraid to step out of the box and try something new." |
Eldorado Middle School | | Math Teacher |
| | Lori Quigley |
Quigley is a dynamic mathematics teacher who inspires her students to develop a life-long love of learning. She goes above and beyond to help her students succeed. She willingly gives up her lunch period and allows any student who needs extra tutoring help to come to her room to eat lunch, ask questions and complete homework. As a long-standing Junior Beta Club sponsor, and current state of Illinois Beta Sponsor of the Year, Quigley promotes academic achievement, character, service and leadership to students. |  | Heidi Christensen | | Douglas Primary School | | Kindergarten Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 4 Honoree | | "Each child is a unique and special gift and within each child is a set of special attributes. Our duty as educators is to appreciate the gift of each child and help them develop their unique attributes to grow and develop into the best individual they can be under our care." |
Douglas Primary School | | Kindergarten Teacher |
| | Heidi Christensen |
Christensen, a kindergarten teacher, believes that each child is unique and holds special gifts. As an educator, she works to foster her students’ unique talents to grow and develop throughout their school years. She helps students to feel welcomed and treasured, no matter their life circumstance, learning ability or disability. Christensen is also active in the school community. She is a member of the Kindergarten PLC Team, School Accreditation Committee, Student Intervention Team and Common Assessment Committee. |
 | Jill Wright | | Lowell Elementary School | | 2nd Grade Teacher |
2012-2013 Region 3 Honoree | | "I believe one of the most important things I do to make a difference in the lives of my students is to do home visits. I do them because children always have so much they want to share! It's another connection to understanding them better a well as the family getting to know me better." |
Lowell Elementary School | | 2nd Grade Teacher |
| | Jill Wright |
As a second grade teacher, Wright makes learning challenging and fun. She uses real life examples to help her students understand class work. For example, she cooks each Friday in her classroom to demonstrate sequence, science, math and culture. Outside the classroom, she is president of the local teachers association, chair of the Southwestern Council of Teachers and board member for the Illinois State Teachers Association. |
