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2022-2023 Site Teachers of the Year

January 19, 2023

Teachers at each of the sites at Sperry Public Schools recently chose from among their peers one to represent them all as representing the principle of Excellence in Education.  This is an honor not of being a “winner” among contestants, but of being the embodiment of the educational ideals held by colleagues.  

Sperry Elementary School 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year: Kristy Hutton

Mrs. Kristy Hutton has 19 years of teaching experience and is in her sixth year at Sperry Elementary School where she currently teaches 5^th grade English Language Arts.  Her teaching responsibilities include instruction in reading, writing, grammar, and spelling.  Sperry Elementary principal, Mrs. Traci Taylor, said, “Ms. Hutton is an excellent representation of the high quality teaching that occurs at Sperry Elementary.  She ensures that all students are given language arts lessons and activities that meet their individual learning styles allowing all students to reach their optimal potential.”  One of Mrs. Hutton’s students pointed out that “she is an amazing teacher that can teach you anything you want to learn.”  Another added, “Even if kids are not willing to learn, she gets down on their level and helps them learn.” 

Sperry Middle School 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year: Laura Daugherty

Mrs. Laura Daugherty is in her 22^nd year of teaching and her 17^th year at Sperry.  Currently, Mrs. Daugherty teaches eighth grade English Language Arts, a reading skills improvement class, and Pre-Advanced Placement English.  With three completely different subjects to prepare each day, Mrs. Daugherty undoubtedly keeps very busy.  Sperry Middle School principal, Mr. Mike Juby, said, “Mrs. Daugherty does an exceptional job in preparing her students for the state tests each year and also for preparing them for High School and beyond."  One of her students commented, "Mrs. Daugherty makes her class really fun, and when you have a question she is always very helpful."  Another added that she is “an amazing person who is passionate about her job." 

Sperry High School 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year: Elizabeth Bryant

            Mrs. Elizabeth Bryant has taught 19 of her 20 years in education at Sperry.  She has taught math skills from sixth grade math through Algebra II.  Currently, Mrs. Bryant teaches Algebra I, Geometry, Pre-Advanced Placement Algebra I for eighth grade, and College and Career Math Ready course for seniors.  Mrs. Bryant also manages to find time to be a district leader on the mathematics vertical team.  Sperry High School principal, Mr. Richard Akin, said, “Mrs. Bryant doesn’t rely on the textbook or technology to guide the students.  She uses a range of strategies and methods to reach every student.”  A student recently noted that Mrs. Bryant “makes sure we understand how to work the problems, not just to get the answer.”      

            The site Teachers of the Year will each 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.