Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Alicia Wallace is RQS District Teacher of the Year

The 2007-2008 Raytown Quality Schools Teacher of the Year is Alicia Wallace, a kindergarten teacher from Westridge Elementary.

In making the announcement, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dale Houck referenced Wallace’s application packet, in which colleagues referred to her as having a passion for teaching, and exemplifying herself as the model of professionalism. Wallace feels that teachers act as leaders, role models and mentors, and that effective teachers must have high expectations not only for students but for themselves and colleagues.

Wallace congratulated other nominees and talked about her love for children and the home she has found in the Raytown school district, after having come from teaching in Texas. Wallace has taught for 20 years, the last thirteen in Raytown.

A parent calls Wallace a warm, inviting individual, in addition to being an effective and encouraging teacher. Westridge principal Carol White not only believes she is a talented professional with integrity, but also believes she has an understanding of the developmental needs of children, and is able to provide for the varied social, emotional, physical and educational needs of kindergartners.

Judges Angela Boyd and Sally Frederick were in attendance at the annual breakfast to name the District Teacher of the Year after having interviewed applicants on Wednesday night.

“I am pleased to see the good teaching happening in Raytown,” Frederick, who is the 1989 District Teacher of the Year, and a product of the Raytown schools. “It is so enjoyable to see teachers at all points in their careers, from the beginning to very experienced, show their enthusiasm in interviews.”" Boyd, who chaired the district's Growing With Pride Bond Issue committee, echoed Frederick's sentiments and said the judge's decision was a hard one, but she is willing to judge again because she "loved speding time talking to each teacher." Courtenay Wills from the Hickman Mills School District Public Information office also served as a judge.

- The Raytown Post -

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