Mark Twain Junior High Alternative Center has chosen Donna Tribble as the campus 2022 Teacher of the Year.
Tribble has been with Mark Twain since 2020, but has been an educator in the Poplar Bluff district since 2006. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Texas and has committed herself to 31 years in the field of education.
Tribble currently serves as a lead teacher at the campus.
“I believe that all students are unique and need a teacher that caters to their individual needs in a safe and stimulating environment. My goal is also to create a warm, loving environment, so students feel safe to take risks and express themselves,” said Tribble.
Alternative learning poses some challenges that traditional classroom settings may not have, because of this, the approach to teaching needs to be different in many cases, according to colleagues.
Tribble is said to find unconventional ways of co-teaching with middle school and junior high teachers to achieve the best outcome for her students.
Colleague Brittany Garner said, “Our school is much different than most. It takes a special person to be in these shoes. Mrs. Tribble has been a great influence on our building and (has) shown exactly what the Mark Twain way is all about.”
The grandmother of one student wrote, “Not all God’s angels are in heaven, he has a few walking around showing love at all times. Thank you for being my granddaughters’ angel.”
One student said, “She is respectful to all of her students and she cares. She is very strict but in a good way. She allows me to come to visit even though I am in high school now. She is cool like that. She has helped me in a lot of ways.”
Tribble and her husband reside in Portageville. Together they raised five children and are looking forward to soon enjoying retirement with one another.
“I am retiring in three years and I am planning on crafting, traveling, fishing and enjoying my family,” said Tribble. “I do plan to come back to Mark Twain and visit and stay connected with my students.”
This is part of a continuing series featuring outstanding educators from the region.
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