2009 Celebration of Excellence in TeachingOne thing was abundantly clear at the 2009 Celebration of Excellence in Teaching: There is no shortage of teaching talent in the South Bend Community School Corporation. The 30th annual Teacher of the Year ceremony was held on Tuesday, April 14, at Century Center. Over the years, six corporation teachers have gone on to be named State Teacher of the Year, the most recipients from any single school district in Indiana.

In all, 33 building teachers were recognized for outstanding performance in the classroom, each receiving a marble apple and presentation certificate. In addition, Corporation Teacher of the Year and Runner-up were named, as well as the Special Honors Group. All award recipients were determined by a group of 20 school and community persons on the basis of their evaluations of portfolios prepared by the individual Teachers of the Year.

Carolyn Joy Peterson: 2009 Corporation Teacher of the Year

Carolyn Joy Peterson, a high school Mathematics teacher at Washington High School, has been named the 2009 Corporation Teacher of the Year. In recogni-tion of her achievement, Carolyn received a $1,000 professional growth grant, a plaque, and a golden apple.

The rewards of teaching are the most powerful when I experience success with the struggling student. Last spring, a male student who passed geometry first semes-ter, but then failed the second, surprised everyone when at the end of the second semester final exam; he came up behind me and planted a kiss on my cheek. He then informed the class that they should always get their work done and not fol-low his do-nothing lead. Then he said that he was very grateful that I had been his emotional lifeline during a period of extreme stress for him. He hunts me up

almost daily this year, shakes my hand, and invariably repeats one of the quotes that I used in his class.

Anne Lewandowski: 2009 Teacher of the Year Runner-Up

Anne Lewandowski, a grade three teacher at Lafayette Traditional School, has been named Corporation Teacher of the Year Runner-Up. In recognition of her achievement, Anne received a $500 professional growth grant, a plaque, and a silver apple.

I encourage student directed learning by creating an environment conducive to self-reliance. Students are expected to take academic risks and learn from the revelations throughout each journey. Additionally, fostering community is an im-portant goal in my classroom. Desks are arranged so that students can collaborate and benefit from each others’ unique experiences. The comfortable atmosphere prompts students to build healthy relationships and take ownership for their own learning.

Honors Group

Sandra Runkle ......................................................................................Adams High SchoolCharlotte Totten ..................................................................................... Riley High SchoolAmy Beyer ......................................................Dickinson Intermediate Fine Arts AcademyMary Beth DiGann ...................................................... Perley Primary Fine Arts AcademyBeverlie Beck ......................................................................... Hamilton Traditional SchoolTom Schultz ......................................................................................Nuner Primary CenterBrent Yoder .............................................................................Jackson Intermediate CenterGail McDaniel ............................................................................... Lincoln Primary CenterMarcia O’Connell ........................................................................Clay Intermediate CenterJill Satterfield ...........................................................................Greene Intermediate Center

2009 Teacher of the Year Honorees Beverlie Beck * Hamilton Traditional School Novie Benassi * Monroe Primary Center Amy Beyer * Dickinson Intermediate Fine Arts Academy Kristine Brady * Wilson Primary Center Christina Brecht * Jefferson Intermediate Center Pat Chrenka * LaSalle Intermediate Academy Theodore Church * Marquette Primary Montessori Academy Linda Clauson * Hay Primary Center Mary Beth DiGann * Perley Fine Arts Academy Elaine Gaulin * Coquillard Primary Center Susan Groves * Clay High School Amy Kring * Kennedy Primary Academy Anne Lewandowski * Lafayette Traditional School Tara J. Marazita * Darden Primary Center Gail McDaniel * Lincoln Primary Center Mary McDermott * Tarkington Traditional School Marcia D. O’Connell * Clay Intermediate Center Kristi Parrott * Navarre Intermediate Center Julie Petersen * Edison Intermediate Center Carolyn Joy Peterson * Washington High School Sandra Runkle * Adams High School Jeanine Sabo * Marshall Intermediate Center Jill Satterfield * Greene Intermediate Center Deanna Scelzo * Brown Intermediate Center Thomas Schultz * Nuner Primary Center Kathleen Sellers * Madison Primary Center Deb Smith * Warren Primary Center Robert Steinmetz * Harrison Primary Center Charlotte Totten * Riley High School Cheryl Uyhelji * Swanson Primary Center Laura Washington * McKinley Primary Center Tammy Watt * Muessel Primary Center Brent Yoder * Jackson Intermediate Center

Sponsors for the 2009 Celebration of Excellence in TeachingSouth Bend Alumni Association • Baker & Daniels, LLP • AM General • Laven Insurance

NEA • Frepan Floral Shop