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Hazelwood District Names its 2011 Outstanding First Year Teachers
Sean Manion and Marvin Williams are the Hazelwood School District’s 2011 Outstanding First Year teachers. Manion teaches seventh-grade communication skills at Hazelwood East Middle School while Williams is a physical education teacher at Russell Elementary School.
“It’s a tremendous honor”, Manion said. However, he is quick to credit others at East Middle with his success.
Sean Manion
“When I look around this building alone, I can think of several people who are deserving of this award,” said Manion, “and that’s highly indicative of all the good things we have going on here. I wouldn’t be sitting here without the help of my administrators, coaches, co-teachers and other team members.”
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Master of Arts in teaching communication arts from Webster University.
“I’d always wanted to teach, possibly even at the college level, and after letting that desire slip to the back burner for a while, it was rekindled when I managed University of Missouri’s catering service,” said Manion. “I realized how much I enjoyed not only training others, but also teaching them life lessons. It lit the same spark beneath me that my high school history teacher had started when he expanding my horizons as a younger student. Coupled with the fact that I love studying and discussing literature, teaching is a natural fit for me.”
He is well-traveled, having visited places such as Thailand, Ireland and Sénégal. He credits travel with providing him a well-rounded perspective on life and offering different viewpoints. He also enjoys researching various aspects of English and its teaching.
“Mr. Manion exemplifies what it means to be outstanding,” said Hazelwood East Middle School Principal, Gary Jansen. “Sean has high expectations for his students and himself which allows for academic success for all students. His reflective practice has allowed him to grow tremendously as a first-year teacher. East Middle School is extremely proud of Mr. Manion’s hard work and dedication to his students.”
Williams’ education philosophy is simple.
Marvin Williams
“I just want every student to enjoy P.E. and every student to be involved,” he said. “You can’t just put one philosophy on each student.” He said he also teaches the students to actively participate and to have fun.
“It is a great honor. This is the biggest honor I have ever got in my life, to be at the board of education meeting, getting congratulations and to have the Russell staff cheering me on, I was so excited about getting this award.”
He attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in K-12 physical education.
“I am pleased with Marvin Williams’ performance in the classroom,” said Russell Elementary School Principal Patrick Lane. “Mr. Williams seeks the very best for each child, whether it is a child that is considered ‘typical’ or a child on an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). The words of Henry Adams highlight Marvin’s devotion. Adams stated, ‘A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.’ It is an honor to have Marvin Williams on the Russell Team.”
Hazelwood School District teachers Sean Manion, left, and Marvin Williams have been named the 2011 Outstanding First Year Teachers. Manion teaches seventh-grade communication skills at Hazelwood East Middle School while Williams is a physical education teacher at Russell Elementary School.
