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Site Teachers of the Year Receive Recognition
Recently, the district provided important professional development to its teachers. However, before the serious business of focusing on improving student learning began, teachers were provided a moment of much needed recognition of three of their peers. Each of the three site principals announced their site teacher of the year. The three honored teachers received a plaque, a check, and much deserved applause from their co-teachers.
Elementary teachers chose Pre-Kindergarten teacher Vickie Garrett as their site teacher of the year. Ms. Garrett has taught eleven years, all of it as a Sperry Elementary Pre-Kindergarten teacher. Elementary principal Richard Akin said, “Ms. Garrett’s ability to manage twenty students, all four or five years of age, is truly remarkable. She makes meeting the needs of students with diverse learning styles look easy.”
Middle School teachers are represented by Denise Kennedy-Taylor. Ms. Kennedy-Taylor has taught for twenty-four years, in both elementary and middle school. For the past six years, Ms. Kennedy-Taylor has taught English at Sperry Middle School where principal Mike Juby thinks she needs to remain for several years to come. “She’s a tremendous asset to this building, to our district, and to all of our students. Her experience mixes well with her ability to think fast on her feet, both qualities vital to success when teaching adolescents.”
High School teachers selected Jackie Barnett as their representative of quality teaching ability. Ms. Barnett has taught twenty-five years, all of it at Sperry’s high school and middle school, teaching English from sixth grade reading through senior level, driver’s education, and psychology. “Ms. Barnett is one of those versatile teachers you can count on to help in different areas,” principal Randy Shaw said. “She is part of the social studies department, the English department, and is our main driver’s education instructor during the school year and summers, too.”
