Tossing a stone into still water causes long-lasting and far-reaching ripples, much like the actions of a great teacher, which create meaningful memories for children that can last a lifetime.
Poplar Bluff R-1 Schools held its annual Teacher of the Year luncheon on Thursday, during which a great teacher, Deborah Harper, was named the 2018-19 District Teacher of the Year.
Harper was joined by nine Teacher of the Year nominees from across the school district, several administrators and members of the Poplar Bluff R-1 Board of Education. This is the second time she has been named District Teacher of the Year, as she first earned the title during the 2004-05 academic year.
"I was more surprised this time than ever," said Harper, who works at the Kindergarten Center. "Everybody deserves a pat on the back. It's nice to receive it, but everyone, all of my colleagues, deserves a pat on the back."
Teachers of the year are nominated by their peers in early February with formal submission to a committee who reads through the materials. Letters written by parents, children, and fellow teachers are used to highlight the reasons each nominee deserves recognition.
Harper was nominated by special education teacher Shelly Johnson, who described her as "a strong, leading force in the delivery of our curriculum."
"She loves her job and shares her wealth of knowledge with her coworkers," Johnson stated. "She is the backbone in our building..."
Harper, who is a reading interventionist and data manager, started her career in 1979 as a first grade teacher in Belleview, Mo., where she met her husband, Charles Harper.
Harper currently teaches Spanish at Poplar Bluff High School (PBHS). The couple has been married for 36 years and have two grown children. She has worked for more than 20 years in Poplar Bluff schools.
In a separate letter, interventionist Penny Ethridge told the committee it is Harper's relationships with the students which she considers exemplary.
"(Harper) always makes them feel that they are the smartest students in the school...," Ethridge said. "They feel loved and safe when they are with her. As her students leave her each day, they usually get a hug and an, 'I love you,' or, 'You can do it.'"
Johnson recognized Harper's leadership skills and said she sets an example for others throughout the district and in the community.
"She volunteers her time by leading meetings, classes and presentations at our building, as well as other buildings among our school district," Johnson said. "I cannot think of a more passionate, enthusiastic, caring teacher to recommend for the 2018 District Teacher of the Year."
A young student of Harper's, Jude Funke, has experienced her teaching style first-hand and said, in his opinion, "Mrs. Harper is great!"
"I like going to her room because she does special things with me," Funke said. "We read books, we write, and some Fridays we get to play the iPad. I think she is really nice."
Harper said a love for children drives her motivation. As for advice to new teachers, she said maintaining a growth mind set is of the utmost importance.
"Don't stop learning," Harper said. "You just have to grow along with your students. You have to be on the cutting edge. You have to be willing to be a lifelong learner and to set an example for those kids."
Teacher of the year nominees and building winners include: Joshua "Mitchell" Davis, PBHS; Courtney Rutledge, Junior High; Aleanna Moore, Middle School; Mandi Webster, Early Childhood Center; Cindy Robertson, Eugene Field; Amanda Johnson, Lake Road; Kristie Robinson, Oak Grove; Kadi Dare, O'Neal; and Chris Carpenter, Technical Career Center.
Stories featuring individual nominees will appear in future editions of the Daily American Republic.