For this month’s #TeacherProud Tuesday we are spotlighting these members:

Diamond

🤩 It’s #TeacherProud Tuesday and we are excited to celebrate Ryan Waggoner! As a 7th and 8th grade social studies teacher at Diamond Middle School, Ryan consistently goes above and beyond to make history come alive for his students with engaging and dynamic lessons. Beyond academics, Ryan takes the time to build strong, meaningful relationships with each of his students, helping them grow not only as learners but as individuals. He serves as a mentor in our behavior intervention system, providing guidance and support to help students succeed in all areas of their lives. We are grateful for all that you do!

Joplin

We are celebrating Eastmorland Elementary 3rd grade teacher Lindsey Koucky for Teacher Proud Tuesday! Lindsey was nominated by a colleague who is impressed and inspired by Mrs. Koucky's intentional leadership: "Mrs. Koucky is a very dedicated teacher. She shows her devotion to her students through her patience, kindness and perseverance. Often I hear her having heart to heart conversations about why she has high expectations for students. She steers these conversations to enlighten her students of their learning, their potential and their bright future. Because of her approach, her students strive for excellence. Her expectations help prepare students for the productive struggles they encounter when they are presented with new ideas and content. I have no doubt that her students will be ready for 4th and later 5th grades." We're so glad you've chosen to make Joplin Schools your home, Lindsey! Thank you for the ways you build lessons, community, and high expectations in your classroom.

Celebrate with us as we recognize Joplin High School's Heidi Hodges! Heidi teaches Special Education and received nominations from a colleague and a parent for being wonderful both inside the classroom and out. Here's a snippet from one of her nominators, who had nothing but praise for Heidi: "I have the terrific privilege of working in the same hall as Mrs. Hodges. She is an amazing asset to the Special Education Department with her experience and ability to work and understand people and their behavior. She is always willing to help fellow teachers as well as steer and guide her students toward independence. She has a wealth of knowledge in her field and her students adore her." Thank you, Heidi, for being such an important part of Eagle Nation! Your skill, professionalism, and care are evident every day.

Let's get loud, Eagles: it's time for Teacher Proud Tuesday! Celebrate with us as we congratulate this month's winner, Monica Bay! Monica teaches 1st Grade at Jefferson Elementary. She's been in the district for the past 25 years, embodying what Joplin Schools is all about: Learning Today For a Better Tomorrow. The parent who nominated Monica had plenty to say about the generous impact she's made in her students' lives: "Monica goes above and beyond for her kids. She has started a scholarship for the kids who came out of Jefferson Elementary. Monica used to keep my child after school a couple of times a week to work on her reading and math. Monica also used to talk to my youngest in the car pick-up line because she knew my youngest had a hard time talking during preschool. She would have a question for her daily to answer just to get her to talk. She also is a very positive person when it comes to self-love. She taught my child to have faith in herself when she didn't believe it. Monica has done amazing things for both of my girls, and she deserves to win Teacher Proud Tuesday." We're so grateful you've chosen to make your home here, Monica! Thank you for caring about your students from academics to self-confidence and everywhere in between.

Join the Celebration

The purpose of the Teacher Proud Tuesday campaign is to lift up and celebrate the profession and those currently serving, to recruit and inspire candidates to consider teaching, and to inform communities, business leaders and policymakers on the importance of public education.

🌟 Check out the Teacher Proud Webpage and Toolkit to learn more.

🔦 If your District would like to be spotlighted by GOCSD please contact Janetta Garton.