Confident, professional, a team player, a go-getter, and a motivator are all words used to describe Laura Powell, Mark Twain School’s Teacher of the Year. But words cannot fully describe the contributions she made during the school’s first year of operation.
Mark Twain School began the school year as a place where students who are not thriving in the traditional school setting could go to receive the help they need to excel, and Powell is well suited to providing that help, by all accounts.
Dee Jones, the lead teacher for the RISE Center, praised Powell’s commitment to her students.
“Laura works hard for her students to become all they can. She encourages them to find their own strengths and challenges them to rise above any hardships,” Jones wrote in a nomination letter. “Many students under her direction have exceeded their own expectations, with Ms. Powell cheering them on. She worked hard to show acceptance, care and grace to each child under her care.”
A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Powell brought over a decade of experience from the East Carter R-II School District.
According to Principal Aaron Burton, “Ms. Powell teaches with excitement and optimism. She treats her students with the utmost respect, and in return, gains that same respect from students.”
Jessica Luecke admires Powell’s ability to reach out and get through to at-risk kids.
“During her career, she has reached so many students that most considered unreachable,” Luecke said. “She has changed the lives of every student she has worked with, some in big ways and some in small ways.
“Her encouragement and persistence to never give up are just two of the many reasons she is able to accomplish her passion for reaching at-risk youth here at Mark Twain. I am not sure what our school would do without her influence and compassion.”
Powell’s students sing her praises as well.
Zavion wrote, “Mrs. Powell is by far one of my most favorite teachers out of all 11 years of being in school. She’s very helpful, understanding, caring, and someone a lot of people look up to.
“She helps me and many other people stay on track, even when it’s hard to do so. She wants to see everyone succeed and become great at anything they dedicate themselves to.”
Former student Joey credited Powell as one of the main reasons he graduated.
“She is really a nice teacher, and she helps you the best way she can,” he wrote in a nomination letter. “Honestly, she’s already helped me with so much, and I’m thankful that she has helped me graduate, took the time to care, and push me to do better.”