Teacher of the Year 2009-2010
PATTY WEBBER
South Elementary School |
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At the Fairfield School District's annual Opening Day meeting on Aug. 22, 2009, Patty Webber was named the district's 25th Teacher of the Year.
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Webber is a veteran of 32 years in the classroom and teaches second grade at South Elementary. Superintendent Cathy Milligan made the announcement at the end of the Opening Day gathering, the only time all year all the district's more than 500 teachers are together.
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The district traditionally keeps the name of the new Teacher of the Year a secret until the end of the announcement. The superintendent continued that tradition while reading a series of excerpts from the multiple nominations that Webber received:
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“I have seen students with both learning and behavior challenges flourish while in this teacher’s classroom.”
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“I have seen this teacher bring food from home to give to students, not as a treat, but because they didn't have any.”
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“Time after time, this person is at school hours before it begins.”
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“I am a better teacher, because of this person."
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“Even after all these years, this teacher still teaches with a smile.”
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“This teacher builds relationships with students, parent and coworkers. Embraces change. Looks at each individual child and embraces their differences. Works to make sure every child feels special and successful. A team player who is also a leader. Someone who gives and inspires from the heart.”
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Webber received a standing ovation from her peers as her name was announced, and then addressed them in a short acceptance speech. "Teaching is my career and teaching is my passion," she said. "My students, my coworkers, and my family have helped keep this passion for teaching alive for the past 32 years." Webber also gave a vivid demonstration of how she engages the people she's speaking to, getting the entire crowd in Fairfield High School's Performing Arts Center up and doing the wave.
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"If we continually work together like we did with the wave," she told them after they had taken their seats again, "our passion will resonate with the students so that they know we care about their education and their lives."
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| Fairfield's previous Teachers of the Year who are still active in the district include: Diana Knoth (1990), Lynne Dyer (1991), Colleen Silverberg (1993), Lee Ann Hieber (1995), Alexis Vafides (1997), Cynthia Walker (1998), Kim Nuxhall (2001), Joyce Arnold (2005), Teresa Elash (2006), Linda Napier/Jim Yates (2007), and Tim McKillip (2008). |
