Debbie Harper has been named the District, Elementary Grade-Span and Kindergarten Teacher of the Year. Harper was variously referred to by her colleagues as a go-to, guru and the backbone of the Kindergarten Center.
A 31-year education veteran, Harper's tenure in Poplar Bluff began as a kindergarten teacher at Oak Grove in 1997 before she moved to the Mark Twain Kindergarten Center. At the present location, she has served as a reading coach since 2011 and most recently an interventionist. She received her master's degree in teacher leadership from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.
While her education career started in 1979, students still love the "enthusiasm and excitement" she puts into her daily lessons, wrote kindergarten special education teacher Shelly Johnson. Harper was also named the District and Kindergarten TOY in 2005, and the Oak Grove TOY in 1999.
Above: Pictured presenting Harper with the awards is Kindergarten Principal Carol Brotman (left).
Special Education teacher Courtney Rutledge has been named the Middle School Grade-Span and Junior High TOY. Rutledge was credited by her colleagues and parents for turning the Life Skills class into the "heart" of the school.
Rutledge has been employed by Poplar Bluff Schools since 2003, teaching first grade at Eugene Field and special education at Oak Grove, where she was named TOY in 2014. She accepted the post at Junior High this school year, opening the Mule Shack for students to manage, starting a staff coffee bar with the class, and bringing sectors of the community in to speak about different career paths. She received her master's in curriculum from William Woods University in Fulton.
"The independence they can have in adulthood is starting here by a sweet teacher that had faith in her students," wrote one parent. "These kids mattered to her and she has let their light shine!"
Above: Pictured presenting Rutledge the award is PBJHS Principal Candace Warren (left).
American government teacher Mitch Davis has been named the Secondary Grade-Span and Senior High TOY. He is credited by his colleagues and students for his work ethic and dedication to ensuring students are learning at high levels with the outcomes to prove it.
Davis has been teaching since 2014 at PBHS, where he also serves as co-advisor of Student Council, the premiere student life organization on campus. He has developed the curriculum for AP government, helped start the Constitution Project elective and is overall a "visionary educator," his Principal Mike Owen stated. Davis earned his master's in secondary school administration from William Woods and is working toward another degree in political science from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
"His motivational phrases to never stop pushing has helped catapult many students into aspiring college students," said Wyatt Murphy, a PBHS senior. Wyatt's father Jerrod also wrote a nomination letter, calling Davis an inspiration to students and fellow educators alike.
Above: Owen (right) is pictured presenting Davis the award.
Special education teacher Mandi Webster has been named the Early Childhood Center TOY. Her colleagues called her the "face" of Early Childhood, stating she is never hesitant to push aside her own workload in order to help others.
Webster began her career with the district as a behavior consultant in 2009 before moving into teaching special education, first at O'Neal. Prior to working for Poplar Bluff R-I, she held faculty positions in special education at other area districts since 1996. She received her bachelor's in science and special education from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.
"Great teachers undoubtedly make a difference in the lives of all children, but what Mandi does is so much more," one parent stated. Webster was also named the Early Childhood TOY in 2017.
Above: Pictured presenting Webster the award is Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Patty Robertson (left).
Second grade teacher Cindy Robertson has been named the Eugene Field TOY. Robertson exemplifies the phrase "I am second," according to her principal, Jennifer Taylor. Robertson is known for building a strong connection with her students.
Teaching at Poplar Bluff Schools for over a decade, Robertson began her career in education in 1990 at Southern Missouri Christian School and then Greenville. She received her master's in elementary education as well as elementary administration from Southeast Missouri State University.
Third grader Makayla Cantu said she wishes she did not have to part ways with Robertson next year. "She is awesome. She will always be that way even when I'm gone!" Classmate Adleigh Burke added: "My favorite part of the day is mostly her."
Above: Pictured presenting the award to Robertson is Eugene Field Principal Jennifer Taylor (left).
First grade teacher Amanda Johnson has been named the Lake Road Elementary School TOY. She was described by her principal, Erica Weadon, as someone who knows her craft well yet never comes across as a "know-it-all."
Johnson has served as an elementary instructor since 2010 and was also named the Lake Road TOY in 2013. She received her master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Hannibal-LaGrange University.
"I remember our daughter coming home with a passion for school that is not found in books," parents Amanda and Travis Gowen wrote. Their third grade son Rowan noted how he was upset when Johnson had to go on maternity leave: "But she came back, and it was all better," the student said.
Above: Pictured presenting the award to Johnson is Weadon (left).
Third grade teacher Kristie Robinson has been named the Oak Grove TOY. Robinson was credited by her colleagues for spearheading a campus beautification committee, decorating the school hallways over the summer to create a more positive learning environment.
Robinson has been employed by Poplar Bluff R-I since 2009 and has 16 years total experience in education. She has also worked at Heartland Christian Academy, Foundations Child Development Center and Missouri First Steps. She earned her master's in elementary administration from William Woods.
"The academics that were taught were surely important and of sound instructional practices," parent Misty Wiseman wrote. "However, the impressions of the heart are what will forever define my child."
Above: Pictured presenting Robinson the award is Oak Grove Principal Jenifer Richardson (left).
Special education teacher Kadi Dare had been named O'Neal Elementary School TOY. Parents say she has the ability to teach at the level of her individual students along with making them each feel welcomed.
Dare is serving her 22nd year at O'Neal, 30th in the district and 32nd in public education. She also worked as a special education instructor at PBHS. She earned her master's in psychology from Southern California University in Santa Ana.
One former student recalled how Dare's room was "always a nice place to be." A current student wrote: "I love to spend
my and your time."
Above: Presenting Dare the award is O'Neal Principal Dr. Amy Dill (right).
Fourth grade teacher Aleanna Moore has been named the Middle School TOY. One of her colleagues said she never misses an opportunity to teach, from the moment she walks in the door until students are dismissed for the day.
Prior to her current position, Moore taught fourth grade at Oak Grove and Lake Road, respectively. Her teaching career began in 2008 at Parkside Elementary in Desloge. She received her bachelor's in elementary education from Central Methodist University in Park Hills.
Michelle Zgaynor, a parent, wrote that Moore helped welcome her daughter who was new to the school system. "We could not have hand picked a better teacher for our child during that transitional time." Later on their younger daughter, who Zgaynor described as being the polar opposite, had an equally positive experience. "This says so much more for how Mrs. Moore relates to and teaches her students."
Above: Pictured presenting the award to Moore is Middle School Principal Dr. Brad Owings (right).
Welding teacher Chris Carpenter was named the Technical Career Center TOY. Some of his students testified how they were inspired by Carpenter to continue pursuing in college.
Carpenter has been an instructor at the TCC since 2014. Before that he worked for several years in the industry, both as a welder and an inspector, a combination that has proven beneficial to students, according to TCC Director Charles Kinsey. Carpenter received his associate degree in welding technology from the Tulsa Welding School.
"In many ways, I feel that because of Mr. Carpenter, my son will be a better employee to those who may hire him in the future, and an overall better person," parent Lindy Harrell wrote.
Above: Pictured presenting Carpenter the award is TCC Director Charles Kinsey (left).
