• SLPS honors Preschool Teachers of the Year
     
    Preschool TOY

    Christine Bluett, a preschool teacher at Columbia Elementary School, was one of two recipients of the 7th Annual Adelaide M. Schlafly Preschool Teacher of the Year Award.

    Posted: Wednesday, January 1, 2014 5:40 pm

    By American staff | 0 comments

    St. Louis Public Schools has presented the Preschool Teacher of the Year awards to two passionate educators who set the district’s youngest students on a path of lifelong learning and educational enrichment.

    Christine Bluett, a preschool teacher at Columbia Elementary School, has been recognized as the St. Louis Public School District’s 7th Annual Adelaide M. Schlafly Preschool Teacher of the Year for using her excitement and enthusiasm as tools to motivate her students to learn.

    Bluett “embodies what a teacher should be,” said Cynthia Jowers, a teacher assistant at Columbia Elementary. “She teaches them about respect and caring for each other. Getting this award will honor all that she has done thus far as a teacher and will let her know how much she is appreciated.”

    Shona Lamond, a special education preschool teacher at Stix Early Childhood Center, has been recognized as the St. Louis Public School District’s Dr. Sheryl H. Davenport Special Education Preschool Teacher of the Year for the caring, inclusive environment she creates for her students.

    “I am pleased to recommend Ms. Lamond, as I consider her one of the finest special education teachers with whom I have worked,” said Stix ECC Principal Diane Dymond. “There are three characteristics that stick out in regards to Ms. Lamond: diligent, compassionate and a problem solver. She works to find solutions in all situations involving students, staff or parents.”

    To earn the Preschool Teacher of the Year awards, nominees must explain their teaching philosophy and approach to teaching; provide examples of classroom lesson plans; and be recommended by an administrator and a professional colleague.

    The 2013 Preschool Teachers of the Year were honored with an awards reception, a $1,000 award from the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation, a trophy, a plaque, and a $500 award for related education materials through the Parsons Blewett Memorial Fund.