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McKinney ISD names 2012 Teachers of the Year
Chris Beattie/Staff Photo - McKinney High School economics teacher Melody Nicholson and Finch Elementary teacher David Bill on Thursday were named 2012 McKinney ISD Teachers of the Year.
By Chris Beattie, cbeattie@starlocalnews.com
It may be hard to fill the shoes of the state's elementary teacher of the year, but McKinney ISD's latest candidates are ready to have a go at it.
The school district recognized the 2012 Teachers of the Year on Thursday night during another ceremony filled with cut-ups, congratulations and, most of all, celebration.
"Our community should be aware of and celebrate the amazing learning that is occurring in public school classrooms all across the state of Texas," said Karen Morman, the Webb Elementary teacher who this month will represent Texas in the National Teacher of the Year competition. "I know there are some common threads that tie all of you together."
Before this year's winners were announced, McKinney ISD Board President Lynn Sperry expressed all nominees' impact on education.
"Teachers have a major effect on every child in every school in America," Sperry told the crowd. "Every one of you here tonight that has been chosen as a teacher of the year candidate is a winner. It's a real honor for you to be here, to be chosen by your peers and have this opportunity...we appreciate everything you do for each of our students every day."
Esteemed honor seemed to overshadow the promised Apple iPad prizes as McKinney ISD Superintendent J.D. Kennedy proclaimed David Bill and Melody Nicholson the respective 2012 elementary and secondary Teachers of the Year.
Bill, a first-grade teacher at Finch Elementary School, accepted his crystal award with humility, thanking his most influential supporters, namely his parents.
"They taught my sisters and I just what it means to be a hard worker, and diligence and professionalism," he said. "I know they made a lot of sacrifices for us, and I want to thank them for that."
Bill has spent 10 years in education, including three at his Finch position. He talked of the technology and modern innovations that have propelled public education to where it is today.
"I am transforming my students' futures by providing them opportunities that are not available to them outside of school," he said. "My students and I are 21st century learners."
And, like most other nominees, he platformed his students as the not-so-secret behind his success as a teacher. "There are so many struggles at Finch, and it's just a great group of kids and you get so attached to them...it's very rewarding to work at Finch."
Nicholson, a 12th grade economics teacher at McKinney High School, echoed Bill's praise for the students and credited McKinney ISD administrators and her fellow teachers for allowing her the freedom to teach how she wants.
"My kids told me, 'Don't forget us,' and I can't; without them, I wouldn't be the teacher I am," she said after accepting her award. "They push me every day... I'm so thankful the kids here in McKinney give us this opportunity to live out our passion and do what we love."
Just five years into her education career, Nicholson said she looked forward to her and other McKinney ISD educators' future years together, time to be spent impacting students from every background.
"No matter what type of environment the students come from," she said, "each child has the ability to learn and grow."
As administrators, teachers and their families recognized McKinney ISD's next viable representatives, the new candidates' unique classroom presence was felt throughout the crowd.
It was a celebration for past, present and future teachers -- shapers of the city's, state's and country's future.
"I am truly honored to be a part of your team," Morman said. "Let's continue to inspire, unlock imaginations and dream big."
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