Congratulations to the Berkley Schools Teachers of the Year
Congratulations to the Berkley Schools Teachers of the Year
During the week of March 21, the Berkley Schools administrators surprised District Teachers of the Year. With flowers, giftcards, certificates and signs in hand, teachers were surprised while they were teaching. Principals and colleagues joined in on the fun, too. During the surprises, Superintendent Francis asked students to share one word they would use to describe their teachers. Students were eager to share their love for their teachers sharing words like: caring, loving, funny, kind, and smart.
Congratulations to the following Berkley Schools building Teachers of the Year!
Berkley Building Blocks: Marie Fisher-Dowell, Older Toddlers
On the nomination form, a colleague shared this about Ms. Marie: As an older toddler teacher, Marie provides her students with enriched activities and lessons that allow her students to show and express their creativity. Marie continuously demonstrates professionalism, knowledge, high-quality ideas and offers support to her students which helps them to become the very best they can be inside the classroom and within their community.
Angell: Laurie Ovies, Transitional Kindergarten
On the nomination form, a parent shared this about Mrs. Ovies: Mrs. Ovies has provided more than an academic instruction to our son this year. Her mindfulness techniques and social/emotional instruction has provided our son a complete and holistic educational experience. Mrs. Ovies has been a rock of stability during a most uncertain year and time. Her caring, educational communication with not just her students but also the community as a whole has gone above and beyond any reasonable expectation.
In addition to being the Angell Teacher of the Year, Laurie is also the Berkley Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year and will be honored at an Oakland Schools event in May.
Burton: Pam Henry, 2nd Grade
On the nomination form, Principal Beth Krehbiel shared the following about Mrs. Henry: Pam Henry is an outstanding teacher. She takes on any additional roles that are asked of her and often volunteers her services for building and district committees. She differentiates learning for her students and works collaboratively with parents to address behaviors that need attention. She supports her fellow colleagues and will go above and beyond to assist them in any way she can.
Norup PYP: Valerie Mace, 5th Grade
On the nomination form, a student shared the following about Mrs. Mace: Ms. Mace is very understanding. When I was in her class she made an effort to get to know me and be my friend as well as my teacher. Now when I'm having a bad day or when I'm struggling with something I turn to Ms Mace. She was my fifth grade teacher. I'm in 8th grade now and I still talk to her everyday.
Pattengill: Tai Kimmerly, Music
On the nomination form, two students shared the following about Mrs. Kimmerly: I love when Ms. Kimmerly spins her wheel and it lands on my name and I get to pick a song I love! I love that when we are a good class she lets us pick a dinosaur piece to go towards our big dinosaur Lego. And most of all I love dancing with her in class! - TK Student
Ms. Kimmerly is a great music teacher. She is very nice and she is very funny. She cares for us, and she always makes class fun by letting us pick songs that we like, and she pretends like we don’t know she is Patty the penguin which is super funny because we all know! - 2nd Grade student
Rogers: Jessica Stark, 4th Grade
On the nomination form, Principal Beth Meacham shared the following about Mrs. Stark: Jessica has a natural ease in the classroom setting that leads observers to believe she has been in this occupation for well beyond her seven years of teaching at Rogers. Regardless of her skill set, she is always open to new learning and continuously reflects on and refines her professional practice. In addition, Mrs. Stark is a true team player, committed to collaborating with her teaching team as well as administration and other staff.
Anderson: Lauren Jergovich, Family and Consumer Sciences
On the nomination form, Principal Michael Ross shared the following about Mrs. Jergovich: What makes Lauren’s classes unique is that she teaches students skills that serve as life long skills. Students learn health and nutrition, kitchen safety, food preparation, recipe adjustments for different quantities, cooking techniques and safety, sewing, cake decorating and health and wellness, just to name a few.
Norup MYP: Emilee Moseley, English Language Arts
On the nomination form, Principal Paul Yowchuang shared the following about Ms. Moseley: Ms. Moseley loves and supports students. She advocates relentlessly for what is best for each and every individual child she comes in contact with. Emilee individualizes instruction and constantly conferences her students as she embodies the workshop model to a tee. She celebrates and rewards students for their successes and shows concern for their downfalls.
In addition to being the Norup MYP Teacher of the Year, Emilee is also the Berkley Schools Middle School Teacher of the Year and will be honored at an Oakland Schools event in May.
BHS: Amy Sarris, Special Education
On the nomination form, a student shared the following about Mrs. Sarris: I would describe Mrs. Sarris as friendly because you always see her in the hallway saying “hi” to kids during passing time. I would also describe Mrs. Sarris as supportive because she never lets anyone struggle and she encourages you and helps you see the brighter side of things. She has supported me with situations inside and outside of the classroom. I do not think that I would be where I am today without her support.
In addition to being the BHS Teacher of the Year, Amy is also the Berkley Schools High School Teacher of the Year and will be honored at an Oakland Schools event in May.
