2011-2012 Award Recipients
Below are the 2011 - 2012 Excellence in Education Award recipients
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Kennedy Elementary School
Teresa Christensen
Imagine a child walking into a new classroom and finding there a happy, smiling, bubbly teacher. That is what it is like in Teresa Christensen's class. Even when she has to correct an unsuitable behavior, her voice and language always say that I care about you. One cannot even imagine her ever being cross. When you hear her laugh, you wish you were there to enjoy the moment of fun with her. Along with this is her strong understanding of core teaching skills, first grade curriculum, and the ability to present her lessons with engaging success. She is always ready to learn more and to improve her craft, as well as recognize and praise others for their successes. Teresa is a team player and contributes her insights so that all might benefit from her understanding. She is an outstanding teacher who works hard so her children will have success.
Submitted by Lyle Jeppesen – Principal, Kennedy Elementary School
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Hibbard Elementary School
Kelli Frost
Kelli is new to Hibbard but brings a vast background of skills to our school. She is always willing to tackle any task. Mrs. Frost has great people skills and has a unique manner that makes you feel welcome in person or on the phone. She loves the job and the students what more could you ask. She has become familiar with the teachers and the students in a very short time. This school can run smoothly without a principal but not without a secretary.
Submitted by Robert Boice – Principal, Hibbard Elementary School
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Central High School
Martha Ford
Martha has been a teacher at Central High School since 1997. She teaches all the 9th through 12th grade English courses. She also teaches Speech and Yearbook. Martha is enthusiastic about the curriculum she presents and loves sharing her knowledge with students. Her discipline style is one that embodies an adherence to the school and classroom rules, yet her love for our students allows her to be flexible when circumstances warrant a kinder approach.
Martha is respected by her colleagues at Central and throughout the district. Her opinions are taken seriously because of her sound judgment and ability to solve difficult problems. Martha’s pleasant personality and love for the teaching profession make her a joy to work with and a valuable asset to Central High. Congratulations Martha.
Submitted by Rex Fullmer - Principal, Central High School
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Adams Elementary School
Nannette Foutz
Nannette Foutz is dedicated to being a great teacher. Her work ethic is driven by her desire to see her students succeed. She puts in an inordinate amount of hours to create an excellent classroom. During the summer, she is constantly working in her class. Also, during times of the school year that are hectic, she has been seen her at school until 11:00 p.m. and later. Nannette sees where help is needed, and just takes on that responsibility. For example, we have a program to highlight students that was not being done, she took it over and without fail have students on our achievement board.
She volunteered to serve on our CAT team which takes lots of time. She also runs the “Sunshine” fund here at Adams. This is a program where teachers that have major life experiences receive, cards, flowers and financial help if needed. Nannette Foutz is always thinking of ways to improve her own teaching, our school, and even improvement ideas for the entire school district.
Submitted by Stephen Gentile - Principal, Adams Elementary School
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Burton Elementary School
Libby Bair
It is an honor to nominate Libby Bair for the Madison Education Excellence in Education Award for Burton Elementary School. Libby serves as our librarian and adds so much to our staff. She is kind, patient, and an excellent teacher. She fosters a love for reading and helps them find grade level appropriate books to read. She is organized and always willing to help with any project. She is a true asset to Burton Elementary.
Submitted by Darnea Lamb - Principal, Burton Elementary School
Mrs. Bair helps the children recognize the library as an exciting place to be by engaging them in a book every time they come. I love working with her because she is a friendly a supportive person! – Jessica Hill
Libby’s nomination clearly demonstrates that she is an outstanding librarian whose forward-thinking approach has had a positive impact on students, teachers and parents within her school community as well as reaching further to other schools. She is always offering her services to staff in a very generous manner. At the heart of her passion for teaching and learning is the student. She uses a range of effective strategies to foster students’ love of reading and literature. Libby has consistently created learning opportunities to meet the diverse learning needs of our children. She makes library time a time to delve into a different world that only a library can obtain. She creates real world connections with her books that she chooses weekly. The library is run with an information service that improves student learning. She leads and empowers students to become active investigators, quality producers and lifelong learners. She shows a great understanding of the needs of student learning and has developed programs to ignite the passions of those she teaches and with whom she teaches. What a fantastic librarian! – Heather LaRue |
