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Show WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2009 • B l Covering what matters most Nebo District schools select teachers of the year Nebo District secondary schools recently selected their teachers of the year. Principal John Degraffenried said, "Eric has accepted numerous school assignments that have made a positive effect on the school and with our students. He lends his computer skills to nearly every teacher in the building and makes the time to do this no matter how busy he" is. He makes recommendations for new technology and then trains teachers in the best ways to integrate the technology into the classroom. In the classroom Eric is constantly looking for new methods to improve his teaching and facilitate student learning. If a student does not understand math concepts he is able to modify his approach, implementing best practices to help each student succeed." Kelly Cole Diamond Fork Junior • Miss Cole's philosophy of teaching is: "My job as an educator is to help students discover abilities they didn't know they had, teach them to appreciate what they have been given and learn skills that will help them to be contributing members of society. My hope is that they will have confidence in their ability to solve problems, find satisfaction in hard work and have a willingness to make the world a little better where they are." Principal Troy Peterson said, "Kelly is a very active teacher at Diamond Fork having involvement in sundry capacities and working Bobbi Sue Ferguson hard in each. Kelly is cur- Landmark High 'rently our public relations Ms. Ferguson's philosospecialist, school activities phy of teaching is: "Teachcoordinator (puts together ing students how to learn is a major school-wide activ- more important than teachity field trip each term) and ing them what to learn. If serves on our school com- we can provide them with munity council. In years the strategies and personpast Kelly has also served al tools to learn and help on the LPIC committee. them see our own passion Kelly is also very willing for learning, then we will to help out chaperoning have given them a foundadances, keeping score at tion that prepares them for basketball games, helping a lifetime of learning and out with school plays, etc. success." Her students fully enjoy her Principal Joe Kelly said, as well. I appreciate all the "Students enjoy coming time and effort Kelly puts in to Ms. Ferguson's class to making Diamond Fork a and have a fun time learngreat place for kids." ing. She is innovative and unique in motivating her students. She has a rare Eric Ferrin kind of compassion for atSpanish Fork Junior Mr. Ferrin's philosophy risk learners. Through this is: "Every student should compassion, she reaches be given the opportunity to students who have not had choose to learn. During the success in the educational course of the term, each stu- system for years. She has a dent will learn the material rare teaching talent that is differently, whether by ex- hard to find. The fact that ploring, searching, or per- she has chosen to spend sistence and practice and her career at an alternative the teaching should reflect high school demonstrates those differences. Technol- her love and commitment ogy is a tool to assist a stu- to students." dent in their learning, but in the end the student is the April Oostveen one that chooses whether or Salem Hills High not they wish to learn the Ms. Oostveen's philosomaterial presented. It is my phy of teaching is: "Each job as a teacher to encour- stgdent is different and age the student to expand therefore a goal for each an further their education in individual's needs mus"t be ways that will benefit them set according to what skills in their life and chosen ca- they already possess and reer." what skills and knowledge they will need to learn in order to become productive citizens within the community in which they live. Each goal I set for my students is based upon this idea: they will need to be productive members of society when they leave my classroom. My students succeed in meeting not only the goals I set for them, but also in stretching to meet goals ^they have learned to set for themselves. Principal Ann Anderson said, "April serves as a caring and devoted teacher and advisor for our resource students. Her classroom blends high expectations with enthusiastic support, a place where her students thrive. Certainly, the success of many of her students is directly related to April's commitment. Students look to April as a role model and example of high moral character. She is known, admired and loved by the students and faculty alike for her work ethic, engaging personality and caring nature." Mary Anne Hillier Spanish Fork High Ms. Hillier's philosophy of teaching is: "Each student deserves to be respected and have a chance to succeed. Curriculum should be designed to allow students to learn in every learning style. A student needs discipline and guidelines in which to govern himself as he learns the concepts being taught. And within those guidelines should be avenues to motivate all types of learning. Teaching includes caring, listening and understanding as well as imparting knowledge that is necessary for the student to be successful in life. Teaching demands the highest level of human performance at all times." Courtesy photos SFHS: Mary Anne Hillier was honored as teacher of the year for Spanish Fork High. SHHS: April Oostveen was selected as teacher of the year for Salem Hills High School. Principal Dave McKee said. "Mary Anne Hillier is an All-Star at Spanish Fork High. She can do about anything. She is a master teacher and professional. Mary Anne relates extremely well with her students. She has gained the respect of all the students in the school as a fair, consistent and enthusiastic professional. She is one in a million!" SFJH: Eric Ferrin is the teacher of the year for Spanish Fork Jr. High. DFJH: Kelly Cole was named teacher of the year for Diamond Fork Jr. High. LANDMARK: Bobbi Sue Ferguson was selected as teacher of the year at Landmark High. |