Multi-talented teachers named RC Teacher of the Year

A teacher, who could quite simply be described as a ?Jack-of-all-trades,? is the 2007-08 Rogers City Area Schools Teacher of the Year. Make that, ?Jill-of-all-trades.? Middle school/elementary instructor Cynthia Waibel has been selected to succeed current Teacher of the Year Karen Larson at the beginning of the next school year. Waibel teaches 8th grade English, 6th grade critical thinking, as well as K-5 technology.

School officials cited Waibel?s hard work, dedication, and compassion she has displayed in her classrooms at the elementary and middle school/high school buildings as a reason for the accomplishment. Waibel has been a teacher in Rogers City for the past eight years.

?I have been in Rogers City eight years and I have taught high school special ed, 5th grade PE, technology, and Title One. You have to learn to be flexible,? said Waibel. ?I was surprised because I have been in so many differe

nt positions that I just thought that I am scratching the surface of where I want to be educationally, as far as being a teacher. I really have not perfected where I want to be, because I haven?t had an opportunity to be in one position for very long.?

Chad Coolman, a teacher at Rogers City High School, and St. Ignatius teacher Cathy Gilmet, were selected as runners up for the 2007-08 Teacher of the Year honors. Other nominees considered for Teacher of the Year honors included Sister Jean Karen Woloszyk, Jenna Wilk, Amy Rabeau, Sherry Bisson, Scott Cheatham, Ed Wilbert, Mike Kosiara, Peg Gordon, and Kelly Phelps.

All the teachers were commended for their service and commitment to children. There were 24 nominees, some who were nominated more than once, said principal Deb Jones.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.