Sperry Public Schools Logo

Site Teachers of the Year Announced

 Launch the media gallery 1 player

Sperry Public Schools Announces 2018-2019 Site Teachers of the Year

Each year, teachers at Sperry Public Schools consider which of their colleagues they want to represent them as their Teacher of the Year.  As part of the January professional development activities, the three site principals announced their site choices.  In addition to the lengthy round of applause ach of the three recipients of the award received, the three were also each given a plaque to display and a check to spend.

Sperry Elementary School 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year: Tracy Fancher

Mrs. Tracy Fancher teaches science and English Language Arts at Sperry Elementary School.  Mrs. Fancher is in her 5^th year of teaching, all of which has been at Sperry.  Mrs. Fancher quickly earned the respect of her peers throughout the Elementary.  A colleague noted how Mrs. Fancher displays genuine respect for each student.” Another pointed out how she “is continuously striving to find new ways to reach each student.”  Sperry Elementary School principal, Mr. Richard Akin, identified the combination of these behaviors as being essential in identifying her character.  “Mrs. Fancher has been an inspiration, not only to her students, but to her colleagues as well.  She searches out new and creative elements to incorporate into her instruction.” 

Sperry Middle School 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year: Danna Smart

Mrs. Danna Smart is no stranger to being hailed as the Sperry Middle School Teacher of the Year, as she has received this honor twice before.  Of her 35 years as an Oklahoma public school teacher, Mrs. Smart is in her 13^th year at Sperry, most of which has been teaching middle school.  Currently teaching 6^th and 7^th grade geography, Mrs. Smart has also taught 8^th grade U.S. History.  One middle school teacher noted that Mrs. Smart is gifted with the talent to “present material in a way that gets students excited about learning.”  That perspective was reinforced by one student who stated that Mrs. Smart was “more fun than bubble wrap,” and made learning an enjoyable experience.  Sperry Middle School principal, Mr. Mike Juby, noted that Mrs. Smart “is always well-prepared for each class, and differentiates her teaching to increase the learning of all students.”  He also pointed out that she offers “words of encouragement, support, and wisdom” to new teachers.   

Sperry High School 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year: Debra Burch

            Mrs. Debra Burch is a 28-year veteran of teaching, with all of her years of experience at Sperry High School teaching social studies.  She has taught a wide range of history and civics courses over the years, including world history, U.S. government, and U.S. History.  She has also taught three different Advanced Placement courses which offer the students the opportunity to take an exam for college credits, often teaching two different Advanced Placement courses a year as well as three traditional-level history courses.  Her colleagues at the high school noted that she is “highly respected by all her peers.  She has genuine concern for the entire staff.”  “Mrs. Burch brings history to us in a way that makes it meaningful to us,” one student noted of her Advanced Placement U.S. History class.  Sperry High School principal, Mr. Randy Shaw, said, “Mrs. Burch’s experience in the classroom enhances her standing with both students and her peers.” 

            Each of the site Teachers of the Year submit an application with a personal biography and their philosophy of teaching for review by the District Staff Development Committee.  After carefully reviewing the applications, the committee will announce the District Teacher of the Year later in the spring semester.