Northwest Names Teacher of the Year

The has named Woodridge Middle School sixth-grade teacher Kathleen Lind as its 2011-12 Teacher of the Year. Lind will represent the district in the Misouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) annual Missouri Teacher of the Year program.

“We have so many high-quality teachers at all grade levels in our district who are deserving of this award,” said Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Kenneth Rossics, in a news release from the district. “We ultimately selected Kathleen because she is an outstanding teacher that embodies the characteristics of great instruction. We believe she will be a terrific representative of our district and community in the Missouri Teacher of the Year program.”

The Missouri Teacher of the Year program recognizes those who are highly-respected in their profession, effectively promote student performance regardless of student background or ability, play an active role in the community and provide positive representation for their school, district and profession.

The Northwest School District's building teacher of the year award winners were:

• Sarah Knoepp - Early Childhood Center, Special Education teacher
• Melissa Stephens - Cedar Springs Elementary, speech therapist
• Katherine Nichols - , 2nd grade teacher
• Monica Hunt - House Springs Elementary, 5th grade teacher
• Jillian Brown - Maple Grove Elementary, 1st grade teacher
• Sara Wedel - , 2nd grade teacher
• Kathleen Lind - Woodridge Middle School, 6th grade teacher
• Kerry Baider - Valley Middle School, special education teacher
• Kimberly Nix - Northwest High School, special education teacher
• April (Kramme) Wagner - Northwest High School, language arts teacher

The Northwest Apple (certified staff) and Golden Bell (support staff) awards, which recognize the exemplary excellence of character, performance, and service on the part of those who serve the Northwest R-I School District also were announced.

The Northwest Apple Award winners are:

• Amanda Fouts - Northwest High School, school social worker
• Dr. Clint Freeman - Valley Middle School, building principal
• Carol Fuchs - Valley Middle School, SPED coordinator

The recipients of the Golden Bell awards are:

• Dave Denbow - Northwest High School, security
• Melinda Petry - Valley Middle School, paraprofessional
• Valerie Soer - Early Childhood Center, paraprofessional

All the employees were recognized during the annual Employee Recognition Night April 23 at Brennan Woods Elementary School.

“Kathleen has established herself not only as an outstanding and gifted teacher, but as a highly effective school leader. The Woodridge staff has come to rely on her leadership, collegiality, work ethic and professionalism,” said Woodridge Principal Kimberly Quentin. “I am continually impressed with the high level and quality of Kathleen’s students’ academic success. We are extremely proud of Kathleen.”

A DESE-appointed committee will select this year’s Missouri Teacher of the Year, who will advance as a candidate in the National Teacher of the Year program.