On Tuesday, the Poplar Bluff R-I School District honored teachers that made a difference in one of the most difficult years educators have ever had to face. A luncheon was held for educators at the Westwood Center.
Honorees included the district Teacher of the Year Cathy Burnett from Eugene Field, who will represent the R-I in the Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year Contest. Building teachers of the year also include: technical career center, Brandon Moon; Mark Twain, Laura Powell; middle school, Kristi Sittig; early childhood center, Michelle Caswell; Lake Road, Leslie Riefle; kindergarten center, Mary Barousse; Oak Grove, Staci Barker; and O’Neal, Christina Spencer.
Caswell was recognized by Early Childhood Center Principal JoAnne Westbrook.
“She is very compassionate beyond the classroom; parents tell us she really gives that extra effort,” Westbrook said
Barousse drew praise from kindergarten center Principal Jessica Thurston for her commitment and dedication.
“She will never say no,” Thurston told attendees, adding “she will always give me her honest opinion” and “she is a team player.”
Riefle was named Lake Road Elementary Teacher of the year and Principal Rondi Vaughn was extremely proud to present the award to her.
“She represents an amazing educator,” Vaughn said, telling everyone, “When there is anything that needs to be done, she is the first one to step forward.”
Principal Jenifer Richardson from Oak Grove handed out the award to Barker.
“It’s very evident that Mrs. Barker is passionate and goes above and beyond to help ensure the success of every student that crosses her path,” Richardson said.
Spencer accepted her award from Dr. Amy Dill, the O’Neal principal.
“Mrs. Spencer is not only there for the kids, but also there for the other teachers as well,” Dill said. ““One letter from a student called her the best teacher on earth.”
Sittig teaches at the middle school and Principal Josh Teeter praised her contribution.
“If you don’t have a Kristi Sittig, you need to run out and get you one really quick. She is just outstanding,” Teeter said. “Kristi is on top of her game.. I’m so proud to be her principal.”
East, from the junior high, earned her recognition according to Dr. Candace Warren. The PBJH principal shared some of her students’ comments about their teacher.
“You’ve always been a very considerate teacher and I’m so glad I was put into your class,” the student wrote. “You are such an amazing role model, teacher, mother, and all of the above.”
Michael Owen, principal at the high school, praised Davis, their Teacher of the Year honoree.
“She’s one of those teachers that just walks in and she starts making an impact in your building,” Owen said. “This is her third year and she’s already been nominated for Teacher of the Year, so that tells you that she just has that natural ability to come in full of positivity for our kids.”
Mark Twain Principal Aaron Burton handed out their award to Powell.
“The compassion that she shows, she makes other people better, not just her students, she makes us better, she makes me better,” he said.
Director Charles Kinsey of the technical career center recognized Moon, the Culinary Arts instructor, for his stewardship of the program.
“Mr. Moon is a perfectionist; he has a very specific and demanding attitude when it comes to the classroom and students understand that is necessary,” Kinsey said. “Mr. Moon is just an outstanding person to have on your staff.”