Teacher of the Year award is presented

Growing up in Williamsport, Pa., Joey Mason found herself inspired by a family of teachers that included a grandfather who taught middle school math.

From the time she was in first grade, teaching was what young Joey wanted to do. Of her grandfather, she said “I was fascinated with math because he made it look so easy even though it was my worst subject.”

Thursday night, the spotlight shined on the Westwood Hills Elementary fifth-grade teacher, as she earned the Waynesboro Schools Teacher of the Year award during ceremonies at Kate Collins Middle School.

While Mason learned a lot about teaching from her family, she has found the most important aspect of teaching “is getting to know children and developing a personal relationship. You get to know their positives and negatives.”

Even in an era of increased state and federal accountability, Mason said it is the relationships that will allow students to rise above the test standards.

Students and fellow teachers at Westwood Hills offered a video tribute to Mason.

That tribute include one immigrant student from Vietnam who Mason has helped to learn English.

The student, with the help of ESL teaching and other tutoring, was able to take a Standards of Learning test on Thursday.

In answering a question for the teacher of the year committee, Mason said multicultural students “need strong educators to help them find their way.”

Westwood Hills Principal Renae Deffenbaugh said Mason’s “energy, enthusiasm and confidence are contagious.”

Deffenbaugh said Mason capitalizes on the strengths of her students, and helps improve their weaknesses.

Mason also was honored as Westwood Hills teacher of the year. Other teachers honored Thursday included the teachers of the year from their respective Waynesboro schools.

Those teachers were:

n Lynne Ross, Berkeley Glenn Elementary. Ross, a second-grade teacher, was described by Berkeley Glenn Principal Sharon Tooley as being able to diversify instruction for all students, and as a teacher who helps students “think, create and problem solve.”

n Lindsey Coyner, Wenonah Elementary. Coyner, a second-grade teacher, is working toward a master’s degree in teaching. Wenonah Principal Rebecca Jarvis said Coyner is generous with colleagues and has “a sincere and genuine interest in students.”

n Polly Purcell, Kate Collins Middle School. Purcell is a veteran history teacher at the middle school. Kate Collins Principal Carol Butler said Purcell makes “teaching and learning fun,’’ and works to help other teachers. “She is an incredible leader for students, teachers and for the kids,’’ Butler said.

n Sarah Biggs, Waynesboro High School. Biggs is a math teacher at the high school. Waynesboro High Principal Tim Teachey said Biggs plays numerous roles at the school, including supporting students in their athletic endeavors.

Teachey said Biggs uses conversational techniques about such subjects as sports to help the students learn math concepts.

n Danielle Almarode, William Perry Elementary. Almarode, a physical education teacher, was described “as an outstanding educator’’ by Principal Jeremy Weaver. He said Almarode is able to incorporate math concepts into her physical education classes.