Honorable Mentions
In addition to our finalists, ABCTE also received the following outstanding nominations from principals regarding ABCTE-certified teachers.
If you're interested in learning more about how the ABCTE teaching certification program works, please visit www.abcte.org or fill out our quick request more information form and we'll email you the details. We also offer free online info sessions on how ABCTE works in each state.
Clare Bernier
Mulberry Senior High School
“Mrs. Bernier is exceptional in all areas. She continually strives to enhance instruction in the classroom and to improve student achievement.
Tandy Caraway
Miami Killian Senior High School
“Mrs. Caraway is an excellent teacher who has our students' best interest at heart in all her undertakings.
Claire Chambers
Lowell Scott Middle School
“Claire continues to develop into a compassionate teacher, capable of writing an Individualized Education Program (IEP), conducting a parent meeting, collecting data, and instructing students all while overseeing paraprofessionals assigned to her program.
Glenn Changar
Holman Middle School
“Mr. Changar has been substitute teaching in our building for 4 years, and has done a superior job in a position that requires much flexibility. He has created lessons as well as adapted other teacher's lessons as necessary to meet the needs of our diverse learners. He has developed outstanding relationships with all of our students due to his a caring attitude.
Christina Crawford
Merit College Preparatory Academy
“Christina is a hard worker. She is willing to not only teach her classes but help out in administrative duties. She helped our school by becoming my Administrative Assistant and still holding down her classes. She is willing to do more than asked of her and will work independently of being asked. She is a wonderful asset to our school and a pleasure to work with.
Angela Deaton
Mann Middle School
“Ms. Deaton has done an exemplary job this first year of teaching. She has made a difference in the lives of the students in the ESE program here at Mann. She has been an asset to our school and I look forward to working with her in the years ahead.
Sandi Dunlap
Chester High School
“She is extremely knowledgeable, has excellent classroom management skills, and is quick to come to the assistance of students and teachers. Sandi is a native of Chester and is an excellent role model for the students here. She is one the best hires I have made since becoming a Principal.
Diana Dunn
Branson Primary School
“Mrs. Dunn served as a speech implementer in my building and did a phenomenal job both with students and with staff. She was purposeful in her interpersonal relationships and became a "go to" team member for many of her colleagues. I am sad that Mrs. Dunn will not be working in our building next year, but her new team will be lucky to have her.
Nick Gastelecutto
Nampa High School
“He has the ability to reach every level of student we have. His energy, knowledge and ability in Biology are unmatched. He has personal stories, pictures, and experiences to share that make his instruction meaningful to all his students. He has a wonderful ability to capture the relevance of his instruction, to develop the relationships needed for instruction, and help his students to respond to the rigor of the content and standards.
Amanda Houp
Mt. Vernon Middle School
“As a first year teacher Mrs. Houp did an outstanding job. She demonstrates excellent classroom management, consistently engages her students in learning activities, and maintains high expectations for her students and herself. She easily gained the respect and admiration of her students.
Devin Howard
Van-Far School
“Devin came to our district as a first year teacher in Jr. High Science and HS Physics. He has brought an enthusiasm for teaching and learning that is contagious. Devin encourages his students to dig deeper to find the answers and think in a way that is outside the box.
Douglass Lawson
Newberry High School
“Mr. Lawson has made a positive impact on our school and student as a 9th Grade Academy Team Leader. He models how a teacher can find ways to assist ALL students to be successful.
Cates Mallaney
Clyde C. Miller Career Academy
“Ms. Mallaney joined our staff three years ago as a "Teach for America" teacher. She is a wonderful Biology teacher who goes the extra mile for her students. She has made a conscious commitment to our students and school by remaining beyond the required number of years as designated by TFA. She collaborates with fellow instructors and participates in our PLCs (Professional Learning Communities), making a significant contribution to the success of the group. Without hesitation, I submit Ms. Mallaney as a nominee for Teacher of the Year.
Mark McGhee
Mark Louis and Sarah Block Yeshiva High School
“He has developed a strong rapport with our students and a superb teaching style. He is a true team player, responsible, well-prepared, ethical and fair. He spends much extra time with our students and his family has become intertwined with our students.
Christine Olley
South Junior High School
“Christine taught only one period at my school last year. I am very pleased that she will be a full time member of our staff next year. Christine relates well with her students and works well with fellow staff. She will be a great addition to our staff.
Mario Sherrell
Derrick Thomas Academy
“Mr. Sherrell has a made a very positive impact on the students at Derrick Thomas Academy this school year. His students love to be in his presence. His work with his students is truly awesome; he has a very unique way to get his students to learn math. I truly view Mr. Sherrell to be a difference maker in the lives of the students that he serves.
Caya Snethen
Eagle Middle School
“Caya is a breath of fresh air to our learning community. She has a passion for the content she teaches and is able to motivate students to reach their potential. She has been a great addition to the Eagle Middle School staff.
Cindy Spatz
Melba Elementary School
“Mrs. Cindy Spatz is an outstanding educator. She is a great example of what the ABCTE program is all about. Cindy was a paraprofessional working in my school and thinking about pursuing a degree in education. Cindy had discussed with me her ideas of pursuing her teaching certificate through the ABCTE process. I encouraged her to complete that process — which she did. She makes a difference in the lives of so many students on a daily basis.
Mandy Thornton
Legacy Junior High School
“As a first year teacher, Mandy accomplished a lot of good for students. For example, she started a new program called Math Lab, where students have opportunity to study and complete their homework. Mandy is not only hard working in the classroom, but she is also willing to participate in a significant way outside the classroom as well. This past year, she was the head coach for the girls volleyball team.
Gayle VanWeerdhuizen
Fruitland High School
“Mrs. VanWeerdhuizen is a positive influence on the lives of her students. She is a caring and highly motivated teacher. Her willingness to take on extra responsibilities is wonderful especially in this time of salary cuts and emotional stress among teachers.
Chris Warren
Farmin Stidwell Elementary School
“His skills and heart have had a profound impact upon students' academic social and emotional growth. His work with our grade level team and school continues to be significant.