Amanda Chapman, Teacher at Mickelson Middle School
Nomination: "We have a 6th-grade learner at the middle school who loves going to gym class and our staff were curious if there would be a way to make attachments to his wheelchair to experience gym class more fully. I asked Amanda Chapman if her Project Lead the Way class would be interested in brainstorming ways to help Breckin become more involved in gym class. Without hestitation, she answered, “Yes!” After receiving a list of gym units for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, she had her 6th-grade PLTW learners get into groups and choose a unit to brainstorm. They got to work, and with Mrs. Chapman’s guidance and encouragement, her class used their hearts and ingenuity to help create some amazing solutions! I am grateful for Mrs. Chapman and her inclusive heart! She truly is the BEST!"
Holly Ballis & Becky Marshall, Teachers at Hillcrest Elementary
Nomination: "Mrs. Balis and Miss Marshal deserve this award because they exhibit what the B.E.S.T. Award stands for. Liam, my son who has struggled with school due to his severe ADHD, has been the most successful this year. He has always had such great teachers, but these two teachers stand out. Recently, he was diagnosed with social anxiety along with his ADHD and depression. The anxiety really plays a huge part in how he learns and behaves in certain situations especially in large group settings. During his annual IEP meeting, they stated, “we really appreciate knowing of the social anxiety diagnosis, we are now able to look at how to work with and help using that perspective.” They both have taken extra time out of their day to call me with concerns about Liam’s behavior and I appreciate this because sometimes it’s easier for me to find the problem. As Mrs. Balis has stated, “I know he is trying to tell us something through his actions but I am not sure what it is.” The fact that she has taken the time to learn about him and cares enough to know something is wrong and wants to help him succeed shows you what kind of an amazing teacher she is. Miss Marshal is the same, she has called when he receives referrals trying to work through what could have caused the behavior so she can help him be successful the next time a situation arises. It’s not every day that you find teachers who truly care about their students and are willing to help solve the problems. I could go on about how Mrs. Balis and Miss Marshal have exceeded the B.E.S.T. Award. Through their actions and the care they put toward Liam, they exhibit the success and triumph that this award stands for. It’s not just their success and triumphs as teachers, it is the success and triumphs students receive when they interact with these two teachers. As Liam would tell you, he loves them both."