The St. Joseph School District Foundation announced the Teacher of the Year Finalists Thursday, March 17, 2016: Stacia Studer, eighth grade communications arts teacher at Bode Middle School; Cindy Faucett, sixth grade teacher at Eugene Field Elementary; and Janell Becerra, music teacher at Eugene Field.

 

The Teacher of the Year Award, sponsored by Bender’s Home Care, is awarded annually to a deserving SJSD teacher. Teachers of the Year are skilled and dedicated teachers who have taught at least three years in the district and plan to continue teaching in the future; have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues; play an active role in the community (serve/lead in civic, religious, or humanitarian activities); and who are poised, articulate, and meet people easily.

 

The Teacher of the Year is chosen for the upcoming school year (2016 – 2017). A selection committee chooses the finalists in March, and announces a winner at the annual Tribute to Teachers and Staff event, which will be held on April 28, 2016. The current Teacher of the Year, Tina Shaginaw from Lafayette High School, serves on the selection committee.

 

Finalists were surprised Thursday morning by the selection committee, principals and other members of the SJSD community with roses, a balloon and the award information. Studer was surprised in her classroom in front of her students and teaching partner.

 

Since Field had two finalists, the school threw a surprise assembly for the whole school. “We are so honored to have two Teacher of the Year finalists at Field this year,” said Field Principal Joni Owens. “We have amazing teachers, and Cindy and Janell are both very deserving recipients. It is a blessing to have such excellent educators at our school.”

 

Stacia Studer, Bode Middle School, Eighth Grade Communication Arts

 

Stacia Studer has been a teacher for fourteen years, all but one of them at Bode Middle School. The other year was spent as an instructional coach at Truman Middle School. Studer is a graduate of Lafayette High School, Missouri Western State University and William Woods University. She is currently working on her specialist degree from Arkansas State University.

 

“This award is not about me,” said Studer. “This award is about the mentors that my instructional leaders placed around me to grow and challenge me as an educator. This award is about my students; each one of them has shaped the educator I am today. My principal, Roberta Dias, is an amazing leader, and she places students in my classroom that I forever hold in my heart.”

 

“Stacia Studer is one of a kind, a contagious positive spirt, a passionate learner, teacher, mentor and leader,” said Bode Principal Roberta Dias. “Students crave her reflective thinking, her passion for learning and her compassion for others. In the classroom, Stacia is the ultimate example, modeling her thinking about a piece of rich text with students, sharing her own examples of writing, even poems, and continually encouraging students to become great readers and writers. Stacia not only has high expectations for her students and herself, she is a fantastic leader for the Bode communication arts team. She has mentored several new teachers, presented at several conferences and shared her love of learning with staff, students and parents. She is resourceful, passionate and driven. Stacia isn’t just about teaching reading and writing; her goal is to help others unwrap their own gift of reading and writing and develop a love for learning. Stacia is an excellent choice for the SJSD Teacher of the Year Award.”

 

Cindy Faucett, Eugene Field Elementary, Sixth Grade

 

Cindy Faucett has been teaching sixth grade at Eugene Field for eight years. “Working with sixth graders has been an absolute joy,” said Faucett. “I love my school and my job!”

 

“I am very proud of Cindy for being chosen as a finalist for this award,” said Joni Owens, Field Principal. “Mrs. Faucett always lets students know they matter and are important. She feels her students need a sense of safety and respect in their learning environment. Her classroom is their classroom. She believes strongly in creating an environment where classmates feel like they are family. This is evident in how she shows her students that she cares about them, their futures, feelings, and successes. Shared and supported risk-taking is part of the culture in her sixth grade class. Students know they are held accountable, but with a safety net to support them if they stumble.”

 

Janell Becerra, Eugene Field Elementary, Elementary Music

 

Janell Becerra has been an elementary music teacher for thirteen years, ten in the St. Joseph School District, with the last six at Eugene Field. “It is truly an honor to have been nominated for this award,” said Becerra, “Let alone to be a finalist, when there are so many talented teachers in this district.”

 

“Janell is a very deserving candidate for the Teacher of the Year,” said Joni Owens, Field Principal. “Her philosophy revolves around children, passion, expectations and procedures. In her room, with any class, she has one common focus – that the students are not just learning about subject matter, but about learning and life. She is a caring teacher that believes she needs to know each student individually so that she knows what makes them excel. Despite their ability, background, or situation, Janell ensures they learn. Mrs. Becerra knows not all students will grow up to be professional musicians, but should feel they have the ability to participate in community music or support any organization by being an appreciative member of the audience.”