TOY 2013

JEN WHITENER

2012-2013Teacher of the Year

Special Section to The Lebanon Democrat and Mt. Juliet News

Personal Quotes from the MCA Family

“I have found Mrs. Whitener to be one of the most creative teachers that I have seen. Her enthusiasm and love for living is carried over into the class-room. She makes her classes come alive with her artistic ability and her love for teaching. Just this year, she designed and built a double-decker Britishbus for the students to ride in when she presented a unit on England. Students loved it. This is just one way she engages all students in learning.”

–Charles Poston, MCA Headmaster

“I truly believe that McClain would not be the outstanding school we are today if it were not for all of Mrs. Jennifer’s time and dedication.”–Tonya Boyer, MCA Middle School Teacher

“Her kind yet professional demeanor gave us great confidence in the school and its staff. Our son quickly felt at home at the school, and we foundourselves eager to become a part of the McClain family.” –Brett Gipson, Parent

“Jennifer’s humble nature probably holds back her excitement, but her greatest reward comes from how her kids love her and give her big hugs.”–Mark Maxwell, Parent

JEN WHITENER2013 Teacher of the Year

Jennifer, “Jen,” Whitener teaches a self-con-tained, 7th grade class at McClain ChristianAcademy (MCA). As a licensed teacher by theTennessee Department of Education she is certi-fied to teach K-8 grades. In her 14 years atMCA, she has a broad-range of teaching experi-ences.

Her first love is the classroom. She sets highexpectations for all of her students. A close con-nection is maintained between home andschool. Jen has developed rapport with herschool family. She continues to provide a lovingand nurturing learning environment. She staysabreast of current trends in education by beinginvolved in a wide range of professional devel-

opment activities including representing MCAat the Model Schools Conference and was theimplementation team member for Rigor andRelevance Training. Her goal is for every stu-dent to reach his/her fullest potential. Shestrives to engage all of her students in every as-pect of learning.

In addition to her teaching assignment, Jenhas served as administrator for the elementaryand middle grades. She has filled the role ofprincipal from 2011-2013. Prior to that, Jen wasa “Lead Teacher” for multiple grade levels thatspanned a period of over 10 years.

Her experiences outside of the classroom areevidence of Jen’s creative and artistic flair. She

has been director and playwright of schoolplays and high school drama. She also teachesart classes in her “spare” time at The Art Mill.

Her heart and desire to help others reachesfar beyond the walls of her classroom. She hasbeen involved in MCA’s St. Jude’s Children’sHospital fundraiser and served as chairpersonfor the highest grossing nationwide schoolfundraising effort for St. Jude’s. Other areas in-clude Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides (team organ-izer for 5K run), Mission Medicine Project(organizer and participant), Christmas for Kids,RES Murfreesboro Tornado Relief Easter Break-fast (facilitator/served and delivered breakfastto displaced families).

Jen at ourannual Musicat the Millperformance.She servedon thiscommittee.

Jen in Old TownSquare in Nuremberg,Germany. In front of

Schoner Brunnen(Beautiful Fountain)rubbing the fountain

gate gold ring forgood luck. She gath-ered information for

her study on Europe touse this school year.

The bus Jen designed andcreated after her Europe tour.

“I love challenges and any prospect for personal growth.”

“Silence was not an option for me.”

Page 2 • Teacher of the Year 2013

Teachers play an enormously important role.They teach and inspire, guiding our kids towardbright, successful futures. They act as educators

and role models, broadening minds andencouraging achievement. We recognizeteachers for their dedication to helping our

children succeed.

Lebanon Special School District“Committed to a Community of Excellence”

CongratulatesAll Teachers

ofWilson County

Thank you to all ofthose who teach ourmost precious resource

- Our Children.

We appreciate you andcongratulate you.

Senator Mae Beavers

1079 Weston Dr. • Mt. Juliet • 758-7745201 Signature Pl. • Lebanon • 444-7999

Aaron Pryor, DDS

Treating you like family!

Teacher of the Year 2013 • Page 3

By Jared [email protected] University presi-

dent Harvill Eaton found a cleverway to tip off Wilson County’s2013 Teacher of the Year she hadwon without anyone else in the

room knowing until she was for-mally introduced during the April12 banquet.

Eaton fired a barrage of quotesfrom famous people to disguisehis magic trick.

“All of these statements weresaid by famous people, but Ithrew in a few from our Teacherof the Year, and I think she al-ready knows she has won be-cause I’ve been watching herreaction as I said them,” Eatonsaid.

Eaton then let everyone in onthe fun as he announced McClainChristian Academy seventh-gradeteacher Jen Whitener as the2013 Wilson County Teacher ofthe Year.

“I’m in complete shock,” saidWhitener after she was presentedan engraved crystal vase and$1,500 to be used in her class-room. “This means so much to

me being here with (McClain di-rector) Dr. Charles Poston, mychildhood principal. I was so ex-cited when I found out I’d beworking alongside him. I am sohonored to be able to teach someof the most amazing kids. Theyjust touch my heart.”

The April 12 event began withremarks from program sponsorsBob McDonald with CedarStoneBank, along with W.P. Bone III,owner of Wilson County Chevro-let-Buick-GMC-Hyundai, who in-troduced past winners of thecoveted local educator award.The event also marked the 15thof its kind in Wilson County.

“In that time, about 500 teach-ers have been in this room beinghonored by their fellow educa-tors,” Bone said. “The caliber ofeducation in this area is incredi-ble.”

One by one, 28 individualteachers of the year nominated

by their respective schools tookthe stage to receive an engravedcrystal plaque commemoratingthe honor.

“I love being in a room withgreatness,” McDonald said. “Ilove being in a room with 28 peo-ple who are great at what theydo. I love an evening like this.”

Eaton, the keynote speaker,further honored award recipientswith his words.

“School is the place where ourchildren go to grow up,” he said.“We all come together as one insaying our teachers are so impor-tant. Of all people, Alexander theGreat once said, ‘I am indebted tomy father for living, but myteacher for living well.’”

Eddie Pawlawski with Cumber-land University served as masterof ceremonies for the event atBaird Chapel. Pastor Lee Steven-son with Cook’s United MethodistChurch led the invocation.

PO Box 256 • Mt. Juliet, TN 37121 • (V) 615.754.2552 • (F) 615.754-5742

Thank You, Teachers!City of Mt. Juliet

Supports Wilson County Teachers!

Whitener named Wilson County’s top teacher


2012-2013 Wilson County Teacher of the Year FinalistsHolly Yelton

Teacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Byars-Dowdy Elementary SchoolKerry Veurink

Teacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Carroll-Oakland Elementary SchoolPrincipal: Lorie Blackburn

Holly teaches 3rd Grade.She has been teaching for 17 years andhas a Masters of Arts in Education (Cur-riculum & Instruction) and Specialist inEducation (Instructional Leadership)

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“I always make sure each student feelscomfortable and confident as they begintheir journey through the new year.”

Philosophy:“Being a teacher in today's classroom ismore than showing up to school withyour plan book and test data. Teachersmust look keep inside each student tosee the potential that lies within eachone and strive daily to help them achievegreatness.”

Principal: Carol Ferrell

Kerry teaches Art forPre-Kindergarten thru 8th gradeShe has been teaching for 8 years.

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“I encourage my kids to do their best,and I try to pull out as much imaginationand creativity as possible. I believe inall of my students and tell them whenthey walk into my classroom that theyare all artists.”

Philosophy:“My most important goal is to instill alove and appreciation for art in my stu-dents.”

Holly Yelton

Kellie PorterTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Castle Heights Elementary School

Principal: Terry Trice

Kellie teaches 1st Grade.She has been teaching for 9 years andhas a Masters of Arts in Education (Cur-riculum & Learning)

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“My students know I love and believe ineach of them no matter what materialitems they have or don't have. My stu-dents know that I care about each one ofthem as if they were my own. ”

Philosophy:“Presenting the value of education issomething I strive to create in my class-room. I want to inspire and empowerstudents to utilize their education to en-hance their future.”

Kellie Porter

Stephanie HeathTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Coles Ferry Elementary School

Principal: Brian Hutto

Stephanie teaches Math for 5th gradeShe has been teaching for 13 years andhas a Master of Arts in InstructionalLeadership

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“My greatest strength as a teacher isthat I have the capability to connect withmy students in a way that they feel lovedand cared about.”

Philosophy:“I think the most important thing you cando to get the best out of your students isto build a relationship with them. If theyknow you truly care that they succeed,then they will strive to do their best foryou.”

Stephanie Heath

Kerry Veurink

"As I continue to have high expectations of my students, I have high expectations ofmyself and continue to be a life-long learner."”

–Holly Yelton,Byars-Dowdy Elementary School

“It is important for me to be active in my school and to show my students that I amhere for them and care about them.”

–Kerry Veurink,Carroll-Oakland Elementary School

“The biggest lesson that I have learned in life through teaching, is the true mean-ing of happiness. What could be more meaningful than to make a difference in achild's life?”

–Stephanie Heath,Coles Ferry Elementary School

“Education is something no one can take away; it knows no boundaries. Educationshould be one of the things a person values in life.”

–Kellie Porter,Castle Heights Elementary School


2012-2013 Wilson County Teacher of the Year FinalistsCarol Smallwood

Teacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Elzie D. Patton Elementary SchoolPrincipal: Lori Hassell

Carol is the School Library MediaSpecialist.She has been teaching for 13 years andhas a Master of Arts in InstructionalLeadership

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“My job is a combination of findingbooks for students to read for pleasurethat will increase their ability and de-sire to read and to help students find in-formation resources, whether they arenonfiction books, reference sources oronline databases, to promote learningin the content areas.”

Philosophy:“My goal is for students to learn fromthe minute they walk in the door to theminute they leave. In fact, standing inline time is usually spent doing mathfacts, sight words or a review of the les-son we just had.”

Greg ArmstrongTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Friendship Christian School

Principal: Veronica Bender

Greg teaches Life Science for 9th thru12th grade and is the MissionsDirectorHe has been teaching for 8 years and hasa Masters of Education

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“The ability to be creative and to person-alize my classes is my lure to teaching.If I am not finding joy in the lesson, howcan I expect my students to do so.”

Philosophy:“My personal belief is that all of my stu-dents were created with special virtuesand qualities unique to them and thatthey each are creative. It is my job tobring out that passion and creativity. Ibelieve that joy and happiness is state ofmind for the student.”

Greg Armstrong

Donna RobertsonTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Gladeville Elementary School

Principal: Monica Hopkins

Donna teaches General Music forKindergarten thru 5th gradeShe has been teaching for 20 years andhas a Masters of Science EducationalLeadership

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“Collaborating is also a very effectivestrategy to give students a chance to beleaders and a chance to be a good lis-tener. I think learning how to listen andlead others are two of the most impor-tant traits we can instill in our stu-dents.”

Philosophy:“I have always had the philosophy that Itreat students the same way I wouldwant someone to treat my own child.”

Kathryn HornTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Lakeview Elementary School

Principal: Adam Bannach

Kathryn teaches Social Studies for5th gradeShe has been teaching for 5 years andhas her Master's in Education K-6

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“I have my students set personal goalsthat are challenging, yet attainable. Thisallows all my students to have opportuni-ties for success.”

Philosophy:“I once heard that if teachers teach allday as hard as they can, they still maynot be successful. They are only suc-cessful if students learn. It is my chal-lenge every day to be a facilitator oflearning in my classroom.”

Kathryn Horn

Carol Smallwood

Donna Robertson

“One must be creative in order to inspire creativity. My ultimate goal is to pro-mote creativity with each of my students."”

–Greg Armstrong,Friendship Christian School

“The library should be a place of encouragement, excitement and enthusiasm forbooks, reading and learning. I know that my library is a safe, warm, and invitingplace that students are excited to come to and find out what we are doing thisweek! In education today, every minute counts and I make all of them count whilestudents are in the library.”

–Carol Smallwood,Elzie D. Patton Elementary School

“I have the privilege to be an influence in a child's education and future. I take theresponsibility very seriously and know that my actions and words must be chosenwisely.”

–Donna Robertson,Gladeville Elementary School

“Research proves that when students are actively engaged, they are more likely tounderstand and retain material. For that reason I do my best to have many handson learning experience in my classroom.”

–Kathryn Horn,Lakeview Elementary School


2012-2013 Wilson County Teacher of the Year FinalistsAmanda Hargis

Teacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Lebanon High SchoolPrincipal: Myra Sloan

Amanda teaches English I-IV/Mythology for 9th thru 12th grades.She has been teaching for 7 1/2 yearsand has her Masters of Administration& Supervision and Masters+30 in Cur-riculum & Instruction

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“It is a moment of pure, teaching pleas-ure when a student expresses that he orshe has never thought about a situationin a certain way before that specific les-son occurred.”

Philosophy:“Teaching is not reporting to school inthe morning, delivering some knowl-edge, and leaving when the bell rings.It is enriching each student in my care.”

Stephanie PorterTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for MAP Academy

Principal: Rick Miller

Stephanie teaches Biology, Geometry& Physical Science for 9th & 10thgrade and Chemistry for 11th gradeShe has been teaching 8 years

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“I strive to vary my method of presenta-tion with my students as it is hardenough to maintain the attention of achild in a regular high school, but forstudents who struggle with learning diffi-culties it's even more of a challenge.”

Philosophy:“I want my students to be life-long learn-ers and never lose the desire to gainknowledge about something they are pas-sionate about or in which they have aninterest.”

Stephanie Porter

Jen WhitenerTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for McClain Christian Academy

Director: Charles Poston

Jen teaches 7th gradeJen has been teaching for 14 years

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“Throughout my life, I have alwaysstressed to my students the importanceof connecting with your communitythrough charitable efforts.”

Philosophy:“I know we are all life-long learners, andI want to inspire them to see their ownlives in the same light. School is onlythe beginning.”

David SpenceTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Mt. Juliet Christian Academy

Principal: Amanda Van Vactor

David teaches Bible, Computer andFinance for 9th thru 12th grade, andBible and Computer for Middle SchoolDavid has been teaching for 7 years andis a Ministerial Licensure

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“My highest hope is to continue servingand loving my students. In doing so, I aminspired. I have helped them and theyhave helped me.”

Philosophy:“People are more important than paper-work. Measuring tools are importanttools in gauging people's progress, butthe important thing is the people and notthe tool.”

David Spence

Amanda Hargis

Jen Whitener

“My students would say that I am most concerned with creating a criticism-freeclassroom. I know that everyone has a gift to share, and it's my responsibility toensure that every student gets to utilize his or her own.”

–Amanda Hargis,Lebanon High School

“We must first have a break through with our students emotionally to show that wecare before we can get them to perform academically.”

–Stephanie Porter,MAP Academy

“As I grow and continue to see life's connections, I inspire my students to see howwe all work together in this journey."”

–Jen Whitener,McClain Christian Academy

“When does the best teaching occur? It may be on the playgrounds. It may be asa student enters the door. The best teaching occurs when people become betterpeople.”

–David Spence,Mt. Juliet Christian Academy

CHEF OWNED AND OPERATEDOPEN 11 A.M. - 9 P.M. • CLOSED WEDNESDAY

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Congratulations to Our Teachers!


2012-2013 Wilson County Teacher of the Year Finalists

Congratulations to our Wilson County Teacher ofthe Year and to each teacher who won the

Teacher of the Year award from their local school.Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

State Representative Susan Lynn

Congratulations,Teachers!

Jon Willis,Director

Call Us for Upcoming Summer Programs!3580 N. Mt. Juliet Rd. • Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

Phone: (615) 469-2180 • Also located in [email protected] • www.mathnasium.com

Tammy ShipleyTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Mt. Juliet Elementary School

Principal: Sandra Grisham

Tammy teaches KindergartenShe has been teaching for 16 years andhas a Masters of Education in EarlyChildhood

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“I do my best to give every student op-portunities to experience success in myclassroom by creating a manageable, yetchallenging, classroom environment thatis appropriate to their age and stage ofdevelopment. Once success arrives,they realize they worked for it and hope-fully take pride in their accomplish-ments.”

Philosophy:“I unequivocally believe that true teach-ers are born. I don't believe you canlearn or be taught how to produce thelove of learning in students. A trueteacher has a spark that ignites thingsin all students that no one else can.”

Jonathan StricklinTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Mt. Juliet High School

Principal: Mel Brown

Jonathan teaches Marketing and Per-sonal Finance for 9th thru 12th gradeHe has been teaching for 8 years and hasa Master's in Business EducationCourses.

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“The experiences every learner has in myclassroom challenges them to reflect onwhat service they will provide to theircommunity.”

Philosophy:“Always bring an attitude of curiosity andwork hard to prepare reflective decisionmakers for today and tomorrow. Regard-less of what return I think may occur, itis a teacher's job to plant the seeds andtrust they will grow to a plentiful har-vest”

Jonathan StricklinTammy Shipley

“It is my responsibility to promote a positive self-image in each and every child. Ido my best to see that every child in my classroom feels that he/she is an impor-tant part of our classroom and that his/her ideas and opinions matter.”

–Tammy Shipley,Mt. Juliet Elementary School

“The only things in life worth doing are those done for others." My passion is to bea servant leader to advance students beyond what they thought they were capableof in life.”

–Jonathan Stricklin,Mt. Juliet High School


We congratulate all Wilson County Teachers

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2012-2013 Wilson County Teacher of the Year FinalistsCarey Miller

Teacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Mt. Juliet Middle SchoolPrincipal: Tim Bell

Carey teaches 6th gradeShe has been teaching for 12 years

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“As a facilitator of learning, I strive toimplement creative teaching strategieswhich reach all of my students regard-less of their learning levels and abilities.I focus on teaching the standards in astudent-centered manner.”

Philosophy:“It is one thing to be a facilitator oflearning and to be strategically creativein presenting the required informationto one's students, but it is another taskaltogether to inspire a love of learningin students. There is an acute differencein being an effective learner and a greatstudent.”

Lindsay TateTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Rutland Elementary School

Principal: Cathy York

Lindsay teaches 4th gradeShe has been teaching for 7 years andhas a Masters in Education in Curricu-lum & Instruction

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“Inspiring children to be their greatestselves is a privilege. Teaching is my op-portunity to make a direct and positiveeffect on the community that I am com-mitted to.”

Philosophy:“I believe that all children should begiven the opportunity to feel successand derive self-worth based on his/herneeds as an individual, both academi-cally and socially.”

Carey Miller Lindsay Tate

“I strive to enable and empower my students despite their backgrounds and abili-ties to learn, and I challenge them to be the best possible student and person theycan be”

–Carey Miller,Mt. Juliet Middle School

“Teaching has always been my passion. I've learned that being able to provide afoundation for the beginnings of a child's journey is my calling in life.”

–Lindsay Tate,Rutland Elementary School

Rachel DesimoneTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Sam Houston Elementary School

Principal: Julie Beasley

Rachel teaches 3rd gradeShe has been teaching for 6 years andhas a Masters of Arts in Education inTeaching and Learning

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“As I begin to build relationships withmy students, I also begin to build theirtrust. In turn, they see the importance Iplace on learning, and they will workhard to accomplish anything I set beforethem.”

Philosophy:“Over the years, my philosophy of teach-ing has changed, but this statement hasalways remained a constant … ‘Myteacher thought I was smarter than Iwas, so I was.’ The truth behind thequote is in the high expectations for stu-dents.”

Geoff LuckettTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Southside Elementary School

Principal: Richard Smallwood

Geoff teaches Special Ed forKindergarten thru 5th gradeHe has been teaching for 15 years andhas a Masters in Special EducationVarying Exceptionalities

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“Some of my proudest moments occurwhen my students exhibit coping skillsfor success in everyday life.”

Philosophy:“The projected outcome for every stu-dent who enters our classroom is forthem to learn the academic and behav-ior skills they need in order to be suc-cessful in a general educationclassroom, as well as life.”

Rachel Desimone Geoff Luckett

“I believe that every child, no matter their socioeconomic status, color skin, oreven disability, has the potential to learn and be successful in the classroom.”

–Rachel Desimone,Sam Houston Elementary School

“Working with students who think a little different than most, act a little differentthan most, and learn a little different than most just seems to fit into my life.”

–Geoff Luckett,Southside Elementary School


2012-2013 Wilson County Teacher of the Year FinalistsRebecca Gullekson

Teacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Stoner Creek Elementary SchoolPrincipal: Kathy Stivender

Rebecca teaches KindergartenShe has been teaching for 9 years andhas a Masters in Reading & LiteracyK-12

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“Technology in the classroom has helpedme add diversity to my teaching.”

Philosophy:“In my classroom I always use a widevariety of techniques to teach so that Ican reach students with varied learningstyles.”

Shirley GrantTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Tuckers Crossroads Elementary School

Principal: Susie Breedwell

Shirley teaches KindergartenShe has been teaching for 33 years

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“I strive to instill in my students a de-sire for learning. As their teacher Imust be flexible, constantly learningnew ideas, methods, and strategies.”

Philosophy:“My teaching must be rigorous and rele-vant as it pertains to each child as anindividual. I use technology to engagethose children who need multiple meth-ods of learning and motivation.”

Rebecca Gullekson Shirley Grant

Jennifer YokomTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for W.A. Wright Elementary School

Principal: Jill Giles

Jennifer teaches Computers &Technology for Pre-Kindergarten thru5th gradeShe has been teaching for 11 years andhas a Masters in Education Leadershipand Administration

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“Leaders create goals, influence involve-ment, and attain results. And leadershipalways includes an element of spiritedvision. Teachers are leaders…this is myvision.”

Philosophy:“As a dedicated life-long learner, I striveto improve myself in the hope that mydesire to learn will be contagious to mystudents, colleagues, and community.”

Amanda PolkTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Walter J. Baird Middle School

Principal: Pam Sampson

Amanda teaches Language Arts for6th gradeShe has been teaching for 5 years

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“I continue to stay updated on the latestresearch regarding the learning processand push my students to reach theirfullest potential.”

Philosophy:“Teaching is a profession that requires amultitude of patience, flexibility, willing-ness to try new methods, and coopera-tion.”

Jennifer Yokom Amanda Polk

“In addition to our traditional class work, I also encourage my students to be car-ing, loving citizens.”

–Rebecca Gullekson,Stoner Creek Elementary School

“I must be creative in my teaching strategies so I can keep my students engagedwhile at school and establish a deep desire to learn no matter their economic orsocial background.”

–Shirley Grant,Tuckers Crossroads Elementary School

“In my classroom, students are motivated, engaged, and willing to learn, and Iwouldn't have it any other way!”

–Amanda Polk,Walter J. Baird Middle School

“Children reach their full potential with positive role models and our commitmentsto provide an academically rich, safe, and nurturing environment.”

–Jennifer Yokom,W.A. Wright Elementary School



Carice AmbrusterTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for West Elementary School

Principal: Becky Siever

Carice teaches Science & English for5th gradeShe has been teaching for 5 1/2 yearsand has been accepted into Administra-tion and Supervision Masters Programin the Fall

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“I work daily to establish a positive cli-mate in my classroom where childrenare engaged, challenged, and motivated.I strive to be consistent, reliable, con-stant, and provide a safe haven for mychildren.”

Philosophy:“The role of student and educator are in-tertwined with the success of each rest-ing solely with the other. For how canan educator feel successful, if studentsdo not feel likewise about themselves?Conversely, do students become suc-cessful without effective mentors?”

Scott HoffmanTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for West Wilson Middle School

Principal: Wendell Marlowe

Scott teaches Social Studies for 6thgradeHe has been teaching for 15 years

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“My title is teacher, but I feel more asthough I am a facilitator of learning. Ifeel success only when my students do.”

Philosophy:“It is important to me that my studentsare successful not only in my classroombut in all aspects of their lives. I wantmy students to feel successful becausethe feeling of success brings confi-dence.”

Carice Ambruster

Scott Hoffman

Stefanie SmithTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Watertown Elementary School

Principal: Anita Christian

Stefanie teaches 1st gradeShe has been teaching for 6 years andhas a Masters of Reading Specialist

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“I exhibit such an excitement for what Ido and love to pass that joy to my stu-dents. I myself love to learn and feelvery blessed to be such an asset to acommunity that truly needs it.”

Philosophy:“If a certain strategy does not appear tobe working, I do not give up. I seek outany and all resources possible to facili-tate learning in my students.”

Veronica MinskyTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Watertown High School

Principal: Jeff Luttrell

Veronica teaches Mathematics for10th thru 12 gradeShe has been teaching for 21 years andhas a Master of Science Degree inComputer Science

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“A focus on student learning and astrategic approach to achieving goals isthe foundation of my success as an edu-cator.”

Philosophy:“Implementation of the ideas that learn-ing is an active process, that math islooking for patterns, that learning mustbe individualized and finally that wemust teach what we assess has beenmy strategy to increase the mathemati-cal understanding of my students.”

Stefanie Smith Veronica Minsky

“I encourage my students to take personal responsibility for their education and Istrive to prepare my students for the rigors of college courses.”

–Veronica Minsky,Watertown High School

“I encourage and push every child regardless of circumstances by using my cre-ativity and insight into their levels. Students are our future and I feel it is anhonor to help shape them into the productive, learning citizens I hope they will be-come.”

–Stefanie Smith,Watertown Elementary School

“Educators must strive for ‘authentic’ assessment-so called because it mimicstasks real people face on the job or in civic life. Not only do such tasks unleashchildren's deep creative and cognitive powers, but they can spark interest in a va-riety of areas.”

–Carice Ambruster,West Elementary School

“If students know that you care for them and will not belittle, degrade, or ridiculethem, they will work to the best of their abilities and give 100 %.”

–Scott Hoffman,West Wilson Middle School


Brad DedmanTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Wilson Central High School

Principal: Pat Suddarth

Brad teaches Algebra 1 & Algebra 2for 9th thru 12th gradeHe has been teaching for 13 years

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“Students will have to be able to usetechnology in their choice of career, butwill also have to explain what the tech-nology is telling them. This is what Ihope to pass on to my students.”

Philosophy:“It is important to know that not everystudent learns the same way and theydo not all learn at the same rate, so youhave to present material in multipleways to reach your entire audience.”

Nancy SmithTeacher of the Year 2012-2013 for Winfree Bryant Middle School

Principal: Becky Kegley

Nancy is a ReadingSpecialist/ Intervention Teacher for6th thru 8th gradeShe has been teaching for 22 years andhas a Masters of Arts Degree in Cur-riculum and Instruction

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:“Watching their gains, not only in read-ing but in self-confidence, and knowingthey will take that with them on intohigh school, college and careers, makeall of the effort worthwhile.”

Philosophy:“My philosophy has always been thatstudents will rise to the level of expec-tation you present.”

Brad Dedman Nancy Smith


“My desire more than any other is knowing that every child, when he or she leavesour building, knows without a shadow of a doubt they have the skills they need inreading to be successful not only in school but more importantly in life.”

–Nancy Smith,Winfree Bryant Middle School

“My hope is that my students have learned as much from me as I have from them.They inspire me to be a better teacher and to constantly discover new ways topresent material so they can learn at a deeper level.”

–Brad Dedman,West Wilson High School

THE LEBANON DEMOCRAT(615) 444-3952

THE MT. JULIET NEWS(615) 444-3952 EXT. 31

www.lebanondemocrat.comwww.mtjulietnews.com

For full in-depth coverage of the latestbusiness news and up-to-date sportsreports, subscribe to THE LEBANONDEMOCRAT and THE MT. JULIET NEWStoday! Sign up for home delivery andsave 62% off the newsstand price!


A great time was had by all!



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