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Westonka Names 2018-2019 Building Teachers of the Year
November 13, 2018 — Westonka Education Minnesota (WEM) kicked off American Education Week Nov. 13 by announcing the 2018-2019 building Teachers of the Year. Congratulations to this year's honored educators: Annemarie Brockopp from Westonka Early Learning, Theresa Schmidt from Hilltop Primary School, Scott Lhotka from Shirley Hills Primary School, Deb Castner from Grandview Middle School and Laura Hensley from Mound Westonka High School.
WEM collected nominations from students, parents, staff and community members for teachers in all buildings. Teachers in each building then had the difficult task of selecting a teacher to represent their school as Teacher of the Year. Criteria for the annual award includes impact on student learning, both in and out of the classroom; contributions to and improvement of the school community; and years of service in the profession, district and/or building.
"This process is not possible without community members, students and staff noticing and recognizing teachers in our district for their excellent work in and out of the classroom," said WEM representative Julie Thomas. "Thank you to those that support our district and nominated teachers for this process!"
"All of the educators that were nominated are well deserving of this honor," Thomas continued. "The teachers selected to represent their buildings are excellent examples of the high standard we hold ourselves to in Westonka. We appreciate their dedication to the students and value their contribution to our district."
Brockopp, Schmidt, Lhotka, Castner and Hensley will represent the district in the Westonka Teacher of the Year and Minnesota Teacher of the Year competitions. Both of these honors will be announced in May 2019.
Read excerpts from each candidate’s nominations below.
WEM representative Julie Thomas, Annemarie Brockopp and Westonka Superintendent Kevin Borg
Annemarie Brockopp - Westonka Early Learning Teacher of the Year
"I am nominating [Brockopp] because of her strong leadership and willingness to help serve not only her students but provide support to the teachers to help other students who may need extra support. There have been a number of occasions where I have had students who struggle with various behaviors, and [Brockopp] is open and willing to meet to talk about concerns and help develop social stories or tools to provide support for students in my class. She shows compassion and care for all students and staff."
Theresa Schmidt with Hilltop Primary School students
Theresa Schmidt - Hilltop Primary School Teacher of the Year
"[Schmidt] touches the lives of the students she works with. Her joy and passion for music is passed on to the students each and every day. [Schmidt] has a gift of making music fun and educational for all. It is amazing to watch her interact with students. They adore her and want to do their best for her. [Schmidt] brings out the inner voice and love of music in each student. It is especially fun to see how the most unlikely of students becomes passionate about music, and it is because of [Schmidt].”
Thomas, Shirley Hills Principal Scott Eidsness, Scott Lhotka and Borg
Scott Lhotka - Shirley Hills Primary School Teacher of the Year
"[Lhotka] goes above and beyond on a daily basis to help all students and staff succeed. He is kind, caring and community centered. As a teacher, I know he will be there for me and my students when they need it most. His ability to stay calm and connect with all of our students has been an absolute gift to Shirley Hills. He is also one of the biggest reasons our elementary schools have incorporated the Second Step curriculum and MindUP curriculum. I am a better educator because of Scott Lhotka! Our school is blessed to have such a leader, leading by example!"
Thomas, Deb Castner, Grandview Principal Christy Zachow and Borg
Deb Castner - Grandview Middle School Teacher of the Year
"[Castner] is a gift to many students and their families. She works with our most challenging population, and she does it with positivity and grace. The tough but unconditional love that she gives to her students leaves me in awe. I look up to her as a woman and a teacher. She is the real deal!"
Laura Hensley with MWHS students and teacher Sarah Morinville Smith
Laura Hensley - Mound Westonka High School Teacher of the Year
"Walk into [Hensley's] class and you will see empowered students expressing their ideas and passions through various mediums. Speak to these students and you will hear them confidently articulate their learning and goals. Watch [Hensley] discuss, lead critique and model artistic choices and you will know exactly why she should be selected teacher of the year."