2008-09 - April St. Clair
The 2008-09 NC DDESS Teacher of the Year is from Camp LeJeune Schools. Delalio Elementary School - Classroom Teacher
Mrs. St. Clair completed her undergraduate studies at Western Kentucky University and has a Masters of Arts in Teaching Degree from the University of Louisville. Upon graduation from the University of Louisville, she was awarded the Joe Wilkes Award which is presented to the Outstanding Student Teacher of each graduating class. Mrs. St. Clair has been a DoDEA teacher for five years and at the time of this writing is a Kindergarten teacher at Delalio Elementary School.
2007-08 - Ellie Micklos Also named 2007-08 NC DDESS Teacher of the Year! Butner Elementary School - Classroom Teacher
Ellie Micklos, fourth grade teacher at Butner Elementary School (at the time of this writing), has been honored by being named NC DDESS teacher of the year as well as the Fort Bragg Schools' teacher of the year. Ellie’s career with DoDDS began in 1987 when she and her husband, Joe, traveled to Terceira Island in the Azores. There, they enjoyed island life and taught for four years before moving to Seoul, Korea. Ellie taught 5th grade for a couple of years before becoming a language arts/writing resource person.
Ellie then entered a DoDDS training program for staff developers and worked with a Pacific team training teachers in “The Understanding of Teaching.” This position evolved into coordinating school improvement/assessment and she eventually became the Pacific representative for NCA.
Having been privileged to receive extensive training in best practices and techniques for teachers, Ellie felt her true calling was in the classroom. She had decided to return to teaching 5th grade in Seoul when the opportunity to teach at Ft. Bragg occurred. Ellie joined her husband at Ft. Bragg in November of 1998 and taught at Bowley for several years before transferring to Butner where she presently teaches 4th grade.
Ellie has been a leader in both Ft. Bragg schools and now looks forward to representing all NC DDESS schools in the Teacher of the Year Program.
Pat Laney, who is a fourth grade teacher at Murray School at the time of this writing, is a role model for students and teachers. Pat is an enthusiastic leader and revels in new challenges where she can use her creativity and imagination. Pat has received several awards throughout her teaching career to include Outstanding Math Teacher of the Year and Who’s Who of American Teachers as chosen by former students. Pat has served in leadership roles which resulted in effective organizational change that improved student learning. Some of the roles included, school improvement team chair, curriculum team leader, and numerous school based committees. The Fun with Science Club and Young Astronauts along with the Prideville Post Office at Murray keep her involved with students who are not necessarily in her classroom. She works hard on letting the students know just how important they are to her as individuals. Pat believes in using ongoing communication with parents and students to ensure optimal student achievement. Pat’s platform is the necessity for a productive and positive partnership between student, parent, and teacher.
2005-06 - Patricia Schob Albritton Junior High School - Classroom Teacher
Patricia Schob, who is a teacher at Albritton Junior High School (at the time of this writing) has held several positions working with students and teachers in 7th, 8th, and 9th grade areas to include Language Arts Teacher, Read 180 Teacher, School Improvement Team Chair, Drama Club, Mentor, Accreditation Team Leader, Staff Developer, and Teacher Leader of various committees.
Ms. Schob has a sincere love of students, teaching, and learning, as demonstrated by her initiative and dedication to obtain a doctorate degree in educational administration. Mrs. Schob is a unique and inspiring educational professional. She is a true advocate for her students and strives to ensure that every student succeeds. Pat often says that “without a vision, the people perish” and she exercises tenacity in working toward the vision of success for all students.
2004-05 - Monica Autry Devers Elementary School - Classroom Teacher
Monica Autry teaches music at Devers Elementary School (at the time of this writing). She received her Bachelor's of Music from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Monica has taught music with the Fort Bragg Schools for nineteen years. She believes that a good education includes a model music program. "Skills students learn through studying music transfer to every part of the curriculum. The study of music requires listening and analytical skills that help produce students who are disciplined thinkers. We want our students to acquire higher order thinking skills, not merely memorization of facts. The realization of music demands these skills. What better way to reach today's children?"
2003-04 - Maryann Williams Holbrook Elementary School - Guidance Counselor
Maryann Williams is a School Guidance Counselor for grades K-4 at Holbrook Elementary School (at the time of this writing). She received her Masters in Guidance and Counseling from Campbell University. Maryann believes in keeping the “magic” in teaching. “There is magic when a child learns to write her name…or when a child reads his first book…or discovers for herself how to complete an electrical circuit. As the teacher, you are the magician. You perform the magic. You put a smile on a child’s face when there is none.” Three years ago, Maryann started Club USA for students who have a deployed parent. She feels this club has been one of the timeliest and meaningful contributions she has made during her career as an educator.
2002-03 - Temple Wood Devers Elementary School - Classroom Teacher
Temple teaches first grade at Devers Elementary School (at the time of this writing). She holds a B. S. in Early and Elementary Education. Temple has been either a student or a teacher in many Department of Defense Schools from Fort Bragg to Seoul, Korea. Her experience in multi-cultural settings helped her to understand the importance of establishing the right teaching environment; structured yet inviting, challenging but non-threatening, and geared to individual needs and cultures. Temple believes a major issue in education today is assessment. "As an advocate for the "whole" child, I would step outside the box and develop an assessment that addresses the "total" child. By assessing in this manner I could further challenge students academically. Out of challenge comes growth."
Valerie Krum, a fifth grade teacher at Irwin Middle School, Fort Bragg, North Carolina (at the time of this writing), received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Geneva College, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania in 1990. She believes that teaching is not just a job, but an avenue to influence children's paths in exploring and learning about the world around them. Valerie states, "It's not enough to just believe that all children can learn. It is my goal as an educator to guide all children at all levels to want to learn." Valerie acts as a team with parents with this common goal and communicates through weekly parent newsletters, daily homework sheets, phone calls, e-mails, conferences and a volunteer program. She feels that her responsibility as an educator is to act as someone who opens a door for children to discover a world they can feel confident to explore.
"As facilitators, teachers need to remember that schools are an important component of society, not a separate entity. Everyone has a stake in education. By soliciting the interest and involvement of parents and the community, our schools can provide a much more solid education for our young people."
Holbrook Elementary School - Educational Technologist
Though born in North Carolina, I grew up in Peru and India. The world was my classroom in a unique way. I became acutely aware of the wonders each culture has to share--pieces of a puzzle that make up our world. I was fortunate to have wonderful teachers at home and in school.
In high school I volunteered my time to work with the young people at Mother Teresa's Home for Unwanted Children in Old Delhi, India. The children were sponges for affection and knowledge. Watching self-confidence grow as skills were developed was so exciting. The pathway to a career in education was a natural one. At the time of this writing, I have taught eighteen years. I assisted in special education programs and taught first grade, second grade, gifted education and technology.
I am always setting new goals and exploring new avenues. Not a day goes by when I do not grow by combining my past experience with what I am learning in my present position as an educational technologist. I take every opportunity to share my enthusiasm for learning with my students.
Debra believes that one of the greatest accomplishments one can obtain as an educator is to convey the love felt for teaching to new educators. As a supervising teacher and mentor she has been able to create a positive induction experience for new teachers. As for her students her philosophy is to be the best teacher for each student each day and to love doing it. Her dedication has been described as both inspiring and motivating, not only for students, but for her colleagues as well. Debra received her BS degree from New Mexico State University.
Joe Cashwell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Art from Appalachian State University and has been with Fort Bragg Schools since 1974. At the time of this writing, he teaches at Holbrook Elementary School. Joe has an enduring belief that no matter who you are or where you’re from, if you have the desire, the drive, the determination, and the discipline, you can and will be successful.
