Rockwood School District’s Teacher of the Year has taught as far away as the Australian outback, but has settled in as a science teacher at Crestview Middle School. Elizabeth Boyce will advance to the 2011-2012 Missouri Teacher of the Year program. Lori Mathys, a Rockwood School District teacher was named a finalist in that program for the 2010-2011 school year. “To be recognized with the other teachers is amazing,” Boyce said of being named the district’s Teacher of the Year. “It’s such a big honor because all these teachers are incredible and innovative. I was definitely surprised to be …

River Bend Elementary School's Teacher of the Year recognizes that her students are more likely to succeed in the future if she gives them a great experience in her kindergarten classroom. Kindergarten teacher Debbie Schatteman said she works to make the first year of school a positive adventure for her kindergarten students. “The first year has to be a wonderful experience. It sets them up for the future,” she said. “I want my students to have enthusiasm for school.” The kindergarten classroom of today is much more than coloring and group play. Students learn beginning reading, writing, math…

Megan Iverson, a music teacher at Kehrs Mill Elementary School, has been chosen as the school’s Teacher of the Year.  “I get to be successful as a teacher because of this school, its teachers and administrators,” Iverson said. “It’s truly humbling. I have such respect for the teachers and the kind of learning that goes on here.”     Iverson began her career as a music director for a church. Now in her fourth year of teaching music to children, she said she always knew teaching was what she wanted to do.  “It was a mistake not getting my teaching certificate right after college,” Iverson said…

Karen Corbett has taught English for 32 years in the the Rockwood School District. This year, she was named Teacher of the Year at Marquette High School. She said she wasn't accustomed to all the attention and preferred less fanfare. “There are many excellent educators at Marquette. It makes me proud that they respect and appreciate me," Corbett said. “I had an inspirational English teacher in high school. The teacher would conference with a student, which is something no one did at that time.  It made such an impact on my education.” Corbett began her career at Eureka High School where she …

Angie Guccione caught the teaching bug early. In fact, she caught it from her second grade teacher, who she says inspired her to teach. Guccione is now a fourth grade teacher and Highcroft Ridge Elementary's Teacher of the Year. "To say I’m surprised and humbled is an understatement,"  she said. "I am excited to be working with this inspiring group of educators. Their enthusiasm for teaching is contagious." She began her career in the Jennings School District and also taught in Ladue Schools before taking a hiatus to raise her children. During that time she owned a dance studio and served as …

A teacher who makes house calls has been named the Rockwood School District Early Childhood Teacher of the Year. "It’s such an honor, and it’s nice to know that my hard work is recognized by others," Allison Deppeler said of the award. After earning her master’s degree from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, Deppeler taught at a private preschool. She learned about the early childhood program at Rockwood and was encouraged by her peers to seek a position. She applied and was hired seven years ago. Though Early Childhood Education Department has a location in Chesterfield at the …

Jody Eisele, a science teacher, has been honored as Parkway West Middle School’s Teacher of the Year. Eisele, who is in her third year at West Middle, said she can’t believe she was selected.  “I am amazed and completely indebted to my colleagues. It’s an honor to be named with the other teachers selected for this award,” Eisele said. As a child, Eisele was interested in the environment, landscapes, travel and camping. Her love of the outdoors led her to the field of science. She attended Southeast Missouri State and the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where she earned her bachelor’s degree…

Suzanne Whitford, a fifth grade teacher at Wild Horse Elementary, is an advocate for technology in the classroom. Whitford was named Teacher of the Year at her school.  “I’m proud to be named as Teacher of the Year for our school,” Whitford said. “But I have some big shoes to fill. There are so many outstanding teammates here who helped me develop as a teacher,” she added. “My mother is a great teacher and she was instrumental in my wanting to be a teacher.” Whitford, who has been teaching for only five years, came to Wild Horse Elementary as a graduate of Illinois State University. She's …

Colleen O'Toole has been chosen as Parkway West High School's Teacher of the Year. O'Toole, a 10-year veteran of West High, teaches general science, chemistry, physics and astronomy.  "There are so many fantastic teachers here. Receiving this honor makes me want to continue to push to be better. I hope to continue to grow as a teacher," O'Toole said.  While in college, O'Toole spent time in Costa Rica interning in a food lab and learning Spanish. After graduating with a degree in food science, O'Toole worked for a food company in product development before turning to teaching.  "Both of my …

Carol Lena has been selected as the Parkway Central Middle School Teacher of the Year. Lena, who is a Special School District (SSD) resource teacher, said she was humbled by the announcement. “I’m in awe of many teachers in this school. Forty names come to mind. The caliber of teachers is so great, and it’s nice to know they think that much of you as a colleague,” she said. Lena completed her student teaching experience in English, but instead chose to work in special education. Even with the greater academic needs in special education classes, she said she felt it was the best place for her …

Chesterfield Elementary School's 2011 Teacher of the Year is a teacher of a different sort. Pat Sainz is the librarian at the school. "I am pleased that teachers value the work I do with the students. The honor is motivational for me. It means teachers feel I fulfill a need for their students and in the classroom," Sainz said. She was a high school teacher at the beginning of her career. She then taught middle school, and when her daughters were young, she worked as a preschool teacher. As her children got older, Sainz earned her library certification. Sainz integrates library skills into …

After teaching for 28 years, the enthusiasm is still evident in the eyes of Debbie Sachs. Sachs was named Teacher of the Year at Green Trails Elementary. “I am so honored to be named, but every teacher should be recognized for their work,” Sachs said.  “Due to her passion for reaching every child and her integrity as a person, she was chosen by her colleagues to represent our school,” said Dr. Renee Sommers, principal at Green Trails. Sachs always envisioned being an educator and began her career as a fifth-grade teacher. But, when an opportunity to teach first grade arose, she jumped at it…

Carol Simpson, a Special School District (SSD) teacher, is Parkway Central High School’s Teacher of the Year. Simpson, who has been with the district for 28 years, said she was pleasantly surprised to be selected. “It’s an honor to be chosen because I really care about my students," Simpson said. “Carol is the backbone of the Special Education Department,” said Deb Henrichs, a special education teacher’s assistant. “She is competent and knowledgeable in working with staff and students. Carol is so supportive of other teachers. She has a great deal of wisdom to share.” Simpson said her …

Lori Mathys, a fourth grade teacher at Chesterfield Elementary School, remembers one of her students announcing, "My teacher is teacher of the world!" after she was named Rockwood School District's 2010 teacher of the year. Although that might be an overstatement, her students and co-workers think she is amazing.  "She respects and loves her students, and they love her right back," said Jodi Davidson, principal at Chesterfield Elementary. Davidson described Mathys as an inspiring and awesome teacher who varies her teaching style in order to reach all students. "The student voice is heard and …