Crestview Middle Teacher Named Rockwood's Best

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 .

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 considered.”

Boyce’s dedication and commitment to her students makes her stand out, Jill Scheulen, Crestview Middle School principal, said. Crestview Middle School's attendance area includes parts of western Chesterfield.

“Elizabeth is a wonderful asset to the Crestview Middle School staff. She maintains high expectations for all students while building a positive, enthusiastic learning environment," Scheulen said in an email. "She spends countless hours planning lessons, activities and assessments to ensure she meets the needs of each and every child that walks into her classroom.”

Boyce has taught at Crestview Middle since she earned her teaching certification eight years ago. Earning her master’s degree, which required student teaching in four school districts, gave her a variety of experience.

“I earned my master’s at Maryville University. One of the requirements was teaching at a different school district each semester of the program. I taught at Ritenour, Parkway, and a magnet school in the city. I learned so much from each school and teacher because they were all so different,” Boyce said.

Boyce began teaching in high school as a volunteer tutor. As a college student, she spent seven months as an educational volunteer in the Australian outback. Boyce worked with aboriginal communities and assisted veteran teachers. “It was a great experience, and I would love to teach abroad again,” she said.

Boyce knows her students gain science knowledge from her classes but hopes they learn other lessons as well.

“I am on the Character Education Committee, so I integrate character education into the science curriculum. I teach physical science but also working as part of a team, being a good human, how to solve a problem, respecting yourself and others,” she said.

Boyce said she enjoys the social aspect of teaching.

“Meeting new people is one of the highlights of teaching,” Boyce said. “I’ve learned from other teachers as I do committee work. I get to meet parents. And each year, I have 120 new students, and I can see the possibilities for their future. They don’t just learn from me, I learn so much from them, too."