ALL STAR TEACHERS CONTEST

Grade / Subject: English Grades 9 and 10
School: Lincoln Junior-Senior High School

During the pandemic, Jody's love of and dedication to the well-being of her students was evident. During every class, she would note each student's attendance, how often they spoke, how they looked, and if they needed anything. If she saw troubling trends, she would reach out to the students and their parents to see what they needed, whether it was educational support such as tutoring, internet supplies, or emotional or physical support.

Jody amended her curriculum to reflect the needs of her students and the world by introducing a social justice unit.

Thanks to her dedication and innovation, her students were kept motivated and more importantly connected throughout the ever-changing educational landscape.

Grade / Subject: 10th, 11th, 12th grade Computer Systems and Security
School: Forbes Road CTC

George's passion for the curriculum and his ability to incorporate life lessons are just a few reasons why his students see him as an All-Star Teacher. He is always willing to help a struggling student, making time for 1-on-1 meetings, ensuring each students receives the attention they seek. George also equips his students with valuable life skills such as building a creditable resume, using proper manners, and building great social skills.

When one struggling student joined Forbes Road, he was quickly welcomed into George's classroom, which felt more like a family to him. As the student spent more time in George's classroom, his interest in school grew and he worked closely with George to improve as a student. Thanks to their work and George's attention, this student is now at the top of his class, something he never thought was possible. George invested in this student and helped him reach his full potential.

George makes each student feel included in his classroom and pushes them towards greatness.

Grade / Subject: Chemistry
School: PPS Obama

Justin is a non-stop, "do what's best for all" kind of teacher. He supports all students and staff with their technical, academic, and emotional needs. He always acts in the best interest of learning and helping students reach their full potential.

He works exceptionally hard to expose all students to the world of science and the many possible career fields. It is common for students to return and thank Justin for preparing them for college courses and beyond.

Justin is also an equity leader in our building, facilitating a faculty reading club to encourage more equity as fellow teachers and himself strive to provide a strong educational foundation for their students.

Every school needs a teacher like Justin on their team!

Grade / Subject: Lifeskills Grades 9-12 and beyond
School: Quaker Valley High School

As a Life Skills teacher at Quaker Valley High School, Jason is dedicated to creating an inclusive atmosphere and fostering friendships between our students with special needs and our kids in regular education through Partners classes and the Best Buddies program. These classes promote a non-threatening atmosphere where kids can be themselves and participate in activities alongside regular education students to gain confidence and experience success.

While the past year has been difficult for many people, the pandemic affected special needs students differently. Their world was flipped upside down and some of them didn't understand why. Jason rallied his group of paraprofessionals and even some Best Buddies and planned drive by visits for birthdays, the end of the school year, and sometimes for no reason other than for his students to see a familiar face.

He created the Daily Grind coffee shop at the high school to provide our Life Skills students with the opportunity to learn job skills, practice social interaction with peers, and the chance to provide a valuable service to the school community.

Jason has made it a goal that each student be confident, happy and have training to be employable.

Grade / Subject: 10-12/Chemistry
School: Derry Area High School

Brian is a beloved chemistry teacher at Derry Area High School, best known for bringing chemistry to life for his students through mesmerizing demonstrations that have real life applications.

As the department chair, Brain has used this position to better the learning opportunities for all Derry Area students. He teaches at every level, from inclusion classes for learning support students to Advanced Placement Chemistry. He gives his students a belief in themselves and their abilities that they take with them to their other classes and to other challenges they will face in life.

Brian works as a mental health advocate, building up his students’ confidence and giving them a safe space to talk about their issues. He’ll even share stories from his life to relate to the students and encourages them to keep pushing forward.

No matter what level, Brian gives his students his all, creating outstanding lessons that capture their attention and makes every student feel as though they are the most important person in the room.

Grade / Subject: Health and Nursing Sciences
School: A.W. Beattie Career Center

In just his first year teaching at A.W. Beattie Career Center, Douglas has made a lasting impression on his students through passion for nursing and the material he teaches. As a nurse and former hospital worker, he brings valuable real life experience into the classroom. He is always there when students need him and he makes sure all students understand the material, so that they get the most out of the classroom experience.

By using simulation devices and other technology, Douglas has made a significant impact on his student’s confidence. These devices simulate heart and lung sounds, so that students can gain valuable experience recognizing the sounds and what could be wrong with a patient.

Douglas also makes sure students have all of the necessary certifications, updated resumes, and work experience so that they are prepared for the future.

Grade / Subject: 8th Grade Social Studies/American History
School: North Hills Middle School

An All-Star is someone who is at their best when the pressure mounts and they are needed most. At the start of Covid-19, Mr. Welch innovated to produce face shields for first responders using 3D printers from his class. He orchestrated a diverse group of teachers to partner with WQED to produce high-quality lessons and activities for students lacking internet connections or technology, tackling equity issues head on. When classes were cancelled last Spring, he helped launch a live nation-wide distance learning program as part of Gilder Lehrman Institute’s History School.

Due to Covid, Mr. Welch wanted to continue to bring local history to his students. On virtual learning days each Wednesday, he would travel to historic sites, traveling as far as Washington D.C. with his technology and router and brought those places to his students live for each class period.

Mr. Welch continues to dedicate his life to teaching and to making a difference for his students. His work ethic, passion, and commitment only deepened during the last year as he has worked to foster relationships with his students while also being there as a mentor and model for other teachers. He gives up his time freely to make education better and is truly an All-Star Teacher.

Grade / Subject: 7th - 8th grade Science courses
School: Pittsburgh Arsenal Middle School

Mrs. Maddex is an overall leader within the teaching community. In terms of being inclusive and outstanding, Tara has shaped the minds of her students, through science, while also, shaping their future with life skills and decision making.

While teaching virtually, Mrs. Maddex transformed her spare bedroom into a learning space, as her top priority was to continue providing an inclusive learning space for her students. She took advantage of the home setting and paid closer attention to her students and their needs outside of the classroom. When many parents lacked childcare, resources, and groceries, she was able to pinpoint who-needed-what and provided community resources for families - sometimes even delivering materials, resources, and food for her students.

Mrs. Maddex realizes her purpose, and that is shaping the young minds of her students and instilling confidence in them.

Grade / Subject: 7th and 8th Grade: Health and Physical Education
School: Kiski Area Intermediate School

As the Department Chair for Health and Physcial Education teacher, Malinda’s main focus is teaching students to live a healthy lifestyle. However, her greatest impact comes by teaching her students the importance of helping others in the community.

In her Health class, Malinda connects lessons with a community initiatives. One example is when teaching her students about the warning signs for the different forms of cancers, she organizes a fundraiser where students raise money to give free wigs to women battling through cancer treatments.

Malinda is an active member of the Student Assistance Program, where she mentors students that are struggling academically, emotionally, or physcially. She is always there if a student needs someone to talk to, or needs guidance to get through a difficult time in their life.

She is a true inspiration to all her students and an All-Star Teacher!

Grade / Subject: 7th & 8th Grade Special Needs
School: Armstrong Jr Sr. High School

Mr. Spence is an All-Star because he treats each student as an individual and takes the time to get to know not only their education needs, but their personal backgrounds. He shows respect and understanding to each individual and is able to earn their trust.

He works with the entire classroom on life skills that will be invaluable to them as they look to eventually become independent. Each week he has students in the “Living Lab” where they learn to not only cook using different appliances, but also the importance of safety, cleanliness and productivity in the kitchen. These labs teach his students responsibility and independence. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and confidence that they can do things on their own.

Mr. Spence lives by his motto, "Never miss a learning opportunity or experience." He is a man of integrity, honesty and most of all, he cares about the future of each of these students.

Grade / Subject: 7th & 8th Grade Reading Specialist & Middle School English Language Arts Curriculum Leader
School: Fort Couch Middle School

As a Reading Specialist and Middle School English Language Arts Curriculum Leader, Mrs. Ruth shows tireless dedication to her students, their families, her staff, and community. She welcomes all students and spends countless hours supporting them. Her room is a favorite for students as they feel welcomed and safe there.

When a young student was having difficulty with his academics and behavior, he was assigned to work with Mrs. Ruth. Due to difficult home circumstances, he did not have support with academics or self-confidence. Mrs. Ruth worked with him every single day to help him with his grades and, more importantly, his sense of belonging. The student truly began to thrive through Mrs. Ruth's assistance. Unfortunately, the student lost his father this past year. Mrs. Ruth stepped up once again and offered him support. Her genuine care for him helped him get through the very challenging time.

Mrs. Ruth goes above and beyond to make every student feel valued, truly making her an All Star Teacher!

Grade / Subject: Multi-Disability
School: Pioneer Education Center

Maria is an exceptional educator, friend and mother. As a multi-disability teacher at Pioneer Education Center, she strives to make sure each student achieves their potential. She never stops advocating and fighting for what she believes her students deserve. She was instrumental in re-opening Pioneer during the pandemic, knowing that many of her students would not only regress but, potentially be lost without schooling and therapy.

While remote, Maria went above and beyond to create an online learning experience geared toward each of her individual students, including one Spanish-speaking student. She developed a Spanish/English remote Special Needs classroom to make sure that everyone was learning together and no one was left out.

Maria never stops smiling, encouraging, or finding different ways to keep her students engaged. She is a powerful advocate and doesn’t shy away from voicing concerns when she sees them. Her focus and passion are always on what is best for “her kids” and their well-being.

Grade / Subject: 2nd Grade
School: Evergreen Elementary – Gateway School District

Epryl King has gone above and beyond to make sure that learning is accessible and equitable for all of her students since joining the Gateway School District in 2002. She is the co-leader of the Equity team for the district and presents multiple professional development sessions throughout the school year on culturally responsive teaching methods for the district teachers.

Dr. King is very active in the Gateway community as the founder of RAMP (Raising Achievement in Monroeville and Pitcairn), which seeks to bring equity to the communities that Gateway School District serves. RAMP has provided tutoring services and community events to bring awareness and resources to the residents.

Initiatives such as creating a slideshow with the word "Welcome" in all of languages spoken by her students and their families have a lasting impact and allow the students to feel seen and represented.

Grade / Subject: Kindergarten
School: Wylandville Elementary School – Canon-McMillan School District

As the dynamics of the classroom setting were greatly altered by the COVID-19 Pandemic, Mrs. Jeswilkowski had a remarkable ability to successfully "change hats" as needed to maintain a positive learning environment. She always made herself accessible by answering questions and providing tech support in a quick fashion.

Recently, a young child at Wylandville was diagnosed with Leukemia. Mrs. Jeswilkowski rallied her students to participate in the PTO's school-wide campaign. This fundraising effort was designed to bless a family in need of encouragement, hope, and love during a difficult and heartbreaking time. Mrs. Jeswilkowski motivated her young students to proudly wear the color blue (the student's favorite color) and to unselfishly donate funds for his family. As a result, her two kindergarten classes became the top classroom contributors in the whole school! Overall, the school raise $4,000 for Owen's family. This campaign taught the children about empathy and generosity. Indeed, Mrs. Jeswilkowski's passionate nature and unique ability to inspire made a significant difference for Owen's family.

Her commitment and dedication had a huge impact on her students and their families.

Grade / Subject: 2nd Grade
School: Menallen Elementary - Uniontown Area School District

Mrs. DelVerme worked tirelessly over the past year to make sure she reached both her in-school and remote students. She introduced "brain breaks" to the classroom, where her students were often found dancing as a relief from the demands of remote learning.

Her 2020-2021 school year started with remote learning, then students were allowed back into the classroom come the Fall. During this transition, she was always quick to change up a lesson if needed to ensure both remote and in-school students were engaged and recieving the same instruction.

Many parents were concerned that their children would fall behind or not enjoy the school year, but thanks to the love and dedication of Mrs. DelVerme, many students expressed how this was their best school year.

Grade / Subject: 4-6 Grades / Art Education
School: Eden Hall Upper Elementary – Pine-Richland School District

Katelynn is constantly developing her skills to bring her students the best educational experience while promoting inclusivity. Her innovation and thoughtfulness have proven beneficial to her students, while incorporating lesson plans that tie into all ethnicities, art mediums, personal creativity, and development.

Katelynn designed and built a rolling art station to adapt to the change in teaching requirements presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and built an online art room where each student could design their own virtual space while accessing all the necessary lesson plan materials. She is constantly thinking of new ways to bring art in an accessible way for all physical and learning abilities, in the most thoughtful and caring way.

She brought joy to her entire school by creating a scavenger hunt for students. Teachers of all subjects were involved by creating “Among Us” characters that we then hidden around the school for students to find throughout their in-person school day.

She brings happiness to the students through her attitude and creativity; something that has been extremely uplifting and necessary during this past year.

Grade / Subject: Guidance Counselor
School: Carnegie Elementary school – Carlynton School District

Words cannot describe the impact that Tricia has had on her students. Whether they were struggling with family issues, addiction, or mental health, she was always there for them.

When one of her students was caught in the middle of family issues, Tricia really went above and beyond. She went to court hearings on behalf of the student and her family even fostered the student, so that she would not miss any school. Tricia cared for this student as if she was her own child. She will do anything she can to help a struggling student.

She does absolutely anything she can to help her students learn and feel safe while at school, but her commitment and care for her students during her own time is what truly sets her apart.

Grade / Subject: 3rd Grade
School: Francis McClure Elementary – McKeesport School District

Rachel aims to make entering her classroom an immersive experience for her students that gets them excited to learn. She works painstakingly on details most wouldn’t notice like carefully crafting seating arrangements so children can still feeling engaged even when socially distanced, or placing students who need extra support in strategic spots without making them feel signaled out. She set up designated “fidget or stress” spots in her classroom where students could sit, occupy their hands with a small toy or stand if they were finding it difficult to focus while in their assigned seat.

Ms. Garland not only teaches the required curriculum but strives to incorporate real life applications to the lessons she gives. She is a dedicated teacher who makes every effort to make sure each child reaches their respective potential. She understands that each child comes with unique needs.

Working in an underserved community, Ms. Garland knows the impact and education can make in the lives of her students, especially at an early age.