The Influence of a Good Teacher

REDLANDS >> On Feb. 25 members of the community, educators, and officials gathered together at Redlands Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to celebrate the achievements and influences of a few Redlands teachers. As one decorative sign put it “the influence of a good teacher can never be erased,” and the community sought to honor those teachers who had left an impact on Redlands students. “This is not a favorite teacher award, this is a ‘Teacher of Excellence’ award,” said Stake President Michael W. Strong in his welcome. “That means you were selected because of your high moral character, your moral values, and our children look up and respect you.” Teachers were nominated for their high moral values and character as well as dedication in the classroom and a high standard of excellence. Their passion for teaching is recognized by the role models they prove to be to their students. Different schools and teachers are nominated each year. The awards ceremony began with an opening prayer from Sam Schofield and a performance by the Children’s Choir whom sang, “What a Beautiful World.” Teachers who were nominated for an award were presented by someone close to them. Teachers and presenters included: • Mary Caver 4th grade teacher at Cram Elementary School was presented by Danielle Caver. “When deciding on her career path, Mary was torn between education and law. She ultimately decided it was most important to her that her career impact the community in the most important way. Mary decided to become a teacher because she loved being a student herself and loved sharing all the subjects taught in elementary school with younger children,” said Caver of her mother. “As for her philosophy in the classroom Mary believes it is important for teachers to always work for individual growth in each student no matter where they are starting from because success is different for the individual student.” • Kelly Ducey 1st grade teacher at Smiley Elementary School was to be presented by Gigi Garcia. Ducey was unable to attend the event, but will receive a personal recognition at another time. • Denise Hammond 5th grade teacher at Lugonia Elementary School was presented by Carolyn Williams. “At an early age she wanted to be a teacher. She stated, ‘I love children beecause they get my jokes’ she also added ‘School wasn’t always easy for me, so I want to be the teacher who helps students because I know where they are coming from.’ Denise wants to make the classroom full of strategies to help them. I have never forgotten that she said how difficult school could be. This leads to Denise’s teaching philosophy which is ‘learning should be fun. My goal is to help all children eventually become successful adults. So I try to give them the desire to want to go to school so they receive the most of their education,” said Hammond. Hammond added, “In closing I would like to add that I have personally been in Denise’s classroom. I have seen firsthand the positive role model and influential teacher that she is. She is amazing and has a relationship with each and every student. I know that she loves her job due to the fact her enthusiasm is felt by each student that passes through her door. Redlands unified is blessed to have such as gifted and talented teacher. ” • Gabby Faulkner-Milligan 7th grade English, Honors English, and Journalism teacher at Cope Middle School was presented by Sarah Spencer. “She has always valued the idea of helping others and feels that education was what best suits her. In terms of her philosophy and teaching approach, she has a lot of humor and anecdotes in her lessons. She tries to relate her ideas to real life situations for her students. Teaching today is more than curriculum, there are a lot of life lessons that need to be taught concerning honesty, drugs, etc. She has very high expectations of her students. They rise to the occasion.” said Spencer of Faulkner-Milligan. “Cope Middle School is indeed fortunate to have her on staff. She is a leader among her peers and a positive influence on her students.” • Shannon Rooney a biology and chemistry teacher at Citrus Valley High School was presented by Tara Abell. “Shannon bleeds black and gold. She proudly says ‘I would have to say that opening Citrus Valley was an amazing experience. I feel so fortunate that I was able to help create the unique and classy experience that is CVHS,’ and I have to say that is it is a perfect fit for Shannon because she is class act as is evident in everything she does,” said Abell of Rooney. “She believes the key to success in school is a love of learning, hard work, and persistence.” A PowerPoint presentation with photos of each teacher was given by Kaylin Williams. Mayor Pro Tem Jon Harrison gave a special presentation and awarded each teacher with a certificate of recognition. “It's especially a pleasure for me because my entire life I have been surrounded by educators. My dad was a teacher and ended his career as a superintendent. My wife has been a kindergarten teacher here in Redlands for thirty years. I have witnessed firsthand how important education is in the lives of the children and also in the teachers. To me it is the exhilaration the teachers feel when they see a student learn their subject. It is something very special for them to experience and very gratifying for me to be here to recognize them,” said Harrison. “On behalf of the city these educators are very important too, because they are developing the citizens of our community. By having educated students we are going to have a better city as we move forward.” Additionally, each awardee was given a certificate of recognition from 40th District Assemblymen Marc Steinorth and State Senator Mike Morrell 23rd District. “This is one of the best parts of the job. Being able to come here and have a front row seat to see you being recognized for the hard work you have done for our community. We understand the roles that teachers play in our children’s lives. We have all grown up and we have all had teachers. We recognize how you can really transform our experiences. Each of you has done that for your students. Your loved ones are here to recognize you tonight. That’s a great thing its amazing thing to hold on to and understand that as a community we say thank you very much. Thank you for what you do each and every day for the students and for the community to those young minds of the next generation,” said Steinorth. The Linton Sisters performed a musical number entitled, “Teacher” which was written and accompanied by Kristen Richey. Miki Inbody, Assistant Superintendent of Redlands Unified School District, gave special remarks. Inbody began her speech thanking the Church of Latter Day Saints and President Strom for the time and efforts given to put the awards together and what it meant to Redlands Unified. “On behalf of the Redlands Unified School District I would like to thank you for maintaining excellence during an era of great change where things like curriculum, standards, instructional materials, testing, and technology, just to name a few, have transformed. But teachers like you have been steadfast in your commitment. You have embraced those changes and made a difference in our children along the way. You continue to excel their achievements. May your light and your love for our children continue to shine brightly. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” said Inbody. “It has been our great privilege to be here. We appreciate and give all our love for all that you do to our wonderful community. We understand that we all come from different walks of life and religious backgrounds, but we are honored to have some of Redlands best in our midst. You are the examples we want for our children. We give you one more thank you very much,” said Strong in his closing remarks. The award ceremony ended with a prayer from Cassandra Baird. Awardees received “Classroom Care Packages” with supplies donated from the church. Inside these packages was the certificates of honor and classroom supplies. “We recognize and feel the importance of integrity, honesty, values of high character and hope that by recognizing those things they will bring out the best in the community,” said Strong. “This is an opportunity for us to recognize the positive in our community."