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Teachers from Roanoke,
Washington County
win McGlothlin Awards
Two top educators each won $25,000
watch video
of the finalists and winners
Top
prizes in the 2010 McGlothlin Awards for Teaching Excellence, including
$25,000 checks, were presented April 13 to Allyson Willis from Watauga
Elementary School in Washington County, Va., and Steven Sizemore from
William Byrd Middle School in Roanoke County, Va. The McGlothlin
Foundation, Blue Ridge PBS and Radford University's College of Education
and Human Development partnered, through this annual awards program, to
honor the best teachers in the region.
 "All McGlothlin Winners, including each of this year's six finalists, make
a world of difference in educating the children in our region," said
Thomas D. McGlothlin, during the awards ceremony at Radford University.
McGlothlin, president of the Bristol, Va.-based McGlothlin Foundation,
added, "Our foundation created an award for teaching excellence because we
know how much the future of our region depends on education. We want to
keep the best teachers in the profession and to positively influence all
teachers by demonstrating how much their community values what they do for
us all."
Blue Ridge PBS directs the awards process, part of the station's varied
education services. "We have been working with the McGlothlin Foundation
since 1999 to recognize these unsung heroes," said James Baum, Blue Ridge
PBS president and CEO. "We are so proud of this year's winners and all the
other teachers who participated in the 2010 McGlothlin awards. They
deserve our thanks for what they do every day for the students in our
region."
McGlothlin Award winners must use $10,000 of their award for international
travel. McGlothlin said long after the cash is spent this experience will
remain and provide something special for both the teacher and the student.
"The international travel part was added as a way to broaden the teacher's
mind and bring the world back to the students," he continued. "We think
traveling the world is the best teacher there is."
Willis is a veteran educator with 15 years of experience, including a
recent third grade teaching experience where her class achieved 100
percent pass rates for reading, science, math and social studies. Now a
second grade teacher, she is again motivating her students with high
expectations supported by strong classroom relationships. Volunteer
McGlothlin judges observed that all of Willis' students think they are the
teacher's pet. She believes that teaching and learning is all about
relationships, where classrooms and colleagues are communities of
learners.
Ann Cunningham, Willis' former principal at High Point Elementary school
in Washington County said, "Not only is she amazing with her students, but
she is also an inspiration to her coworkers as she leads them to rise to
new heights."
"Mrs. Willis represents all that is positive about education," wrote Ann
Abel, principal at Watauga Elementary.
Sizemore, a sixth grade history teacher, embraces technology tools in his
classroom. He has developed an extensive class website, and frequently
uses computer learning games and an interactive whiteboard to engage his
students. Sizemore has also used Skype and an Internet communications tool
to connect live with classrooms in Richmond and Charlottesville, where
students were studying the same history content.
"He strives to make a personal connection with his students. He posses a
unique skill of providing a relaxed and motivating learning environment
based on mutual respect" said Beth Umbarger, principal of Greenfield
Elementary School in Botetourt County, Va.
"I know when we have children with special needs that Mr. Sizemore will
take the student into his class and develop a rapport that makes the
student feel safe," said Todd Kageals, assistant principal at William Bird
Middle School. "Mr. Sizemore invites the student to be part of the
learning environment."
Four McGlothlin finalists were each presented with a trophy and a check
for $1,000. Finalists were: Larry Elkins, Prices Fork Elementary,
Montgomery County Public Schools, Va.; Jennifer Barger, Glenvar
Elementary, Roanoke County Public Schools, Va.; Sharon Hill, Glenvar
Middle School, Roanoke County Public Schools, Va.; and Susan Hampton,
Virginia Middle School, Bristol Virginia Public Schools.
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"The McGlothlin Foundation's goal is for the awards to inspire
recipients, their students, their peers, and indeed, their entire school.
It is our intent to find the best teachers in today's classrooms around
our region. We want to recognize their fine work, reward them for it, and
by so doing inspire others to the high qualities they exemplify.
Certainly, this award will recognize in a rather significant way what we
consider one of the most important professions-and one with so many unsung
heroes."
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Please click below for
additional information about how to apply for the McGlothlin
Award:
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