The renovation of the Muny’s upper plaza...
Read More
Two Hazelwood District Educators Named Outstanding First Year Teachers
Beth Hamby and Jennifer Yoder have been selected as the 2009 Outstanding First Year Teachers in the Hazelwood School District.
Superintendent Chris L. Wright visited the classrooms of both Hamby, who teaches social studies at Hazelwood Central High School, and Yoder, who teaches second grade at Jamestown Elementary School. She presented them with flowers and hugs. District Professional Development Specialist Paula Brown and both teachers’ principals, Darrell Strong and Dr. Lisa Strauther, respectively, also congratulated the women.
“This is a great honor and I feel very privileged,” Hamby said. “I’m still a little in shock. There are so many great teachers in our District who deserve this same recognition. This is my first year teaching and I really never expected this.
“Being in the classroom with my students is a reward itself, however this definitely adds to the excitement of teaching,” she continued. “To have this recognition so early in my teaching career makes me feel that I am providing my students with the knowledge and skills they need.”
“I am very humbled and honored by this award, and extend a great big thank you to my building principal for nominating me,” Yoder said. “Working at Jamestown Elementary makes it easy to achieve high levels of teaching.
“We are led by a dynamite lady and our staff teams up to bring out the best in each child. My beginnings in this district started as a substitute teacher,” she went on. “When I was hired this past year, it thrilled me to be teaching second grade at Jamestown! This year has been the best learning experience I could ever have asked for.”
“Jennifer Yoder exemplifies the characteristics of a dedicated teacher who is passionate about children and their education,” said Strauther. “She goes above and beyond in order to not only teach her students, but to reach them on another level so that academic and personal growth is attained across the board. Mrs. Yoder is a great asset to the entire Jamestown community and our students are reaping the benefits!”
“Being a part of the Hazelwood School District family has been very gratifying as I always wanted to work here after graduating from the district,” Hamby said. “I could not have achieved this accomplishment without the support of my fellow staff members, my students and my family.”
Hamby graduated from Hazelwood Central High School in 2003.
