2010 CityScope Magazine Teachers of Distinction
6/4/2010
| Chattanooga CityScope Magazine
Read the article and see photos
Throughout the area, teachers work diligently to educate and mentor students. Through their dedication, creativity, ongoing pursuit of excellence and passion for teaching, these talented professionals prepare boys and girls to pursue their passions and excel in life. What follows, are teachers recognized by their respective high schools for their extraordinary skills. We salute these “Teachers of Distinction,” along with all of the men and women who have chosen to educate, mentor and develop our youth.
LEANN BELLAMY
Hixson High School
LeAnn Bellamy currently teaches biology and AP Environmental Science at Hixson High School. She is best known for the structure of her classroom, which allows students to learn from hands-on problem solving that has real world applications. Described as a life-long learner who is always researching the best teaching practices and trying new strategies, LeAnn’s presence reaches students at all levels.
MELINDA BINGHAM
Red Bank High School
As a veteran teacher, Melinda Bingham teaches 9th grade algebra at Red Bank High School. The performance of her students is a testament to her strengths as a teacher. Thanks to Melinda’s dedication, students are always prepared for end-of-course testing. Considered a trusted source for math help and general advice, Melinda can be seen teaching and mentoring her students long after the final bell.
SUSAN BOTHMAN
Ooltewah High School
No one doubts Susan Bothman’s commitment to her work, least of all her math students at Ooltewah High School. Under Susan’s tutelage, math scores at Ooltewah High School have increased from 72 percent in 2007 to 95 percent in 2008, a remarkable accomplishment for any educator. Susan’s work doesn’t end in her classroom. She works diligently with her fellow faculty members to continually bring positive change to the school system.
DEBBIE CAMPBELL
Tyner Academy
Debbie Campbell has had a tremendous impact on Tyner Academy students. She is a freshman math teacher, cheerleading sponsor and a member of the Freshman Academy, an innovative organization dedicated to helping students transition from middle to high school. Debbie is well known for her positive and professional attitude, which has touched the lives of Tyner Academy students.
MARY CARRITHERS
Girls Preparatory School
Mary Carrithers has been on the Fine Arts Department staff at GPS for 25 years and currently serves as the Advanced Placement Art teacher. Named Distinguished Teacher of the Year at both McCallie and GPS, Mary is best known for her passion involving both art and teaching. As a successful artist, she has garnished the respect of students. Her art can be seen in private collections locally, as well as across the United States.
NORMA CATE
East Ridge High School
Norma Cate teaches Spanish at East Ridge High School. Known for her innovative techniques that help students learn in nontraditional ways, she facilitates a deeper understanding and comprehension of the language. Warmly embraced by her peers, Norma constantly strives to improve her teaching skills. Along with her many roles at East Ridge, she is actively involved in Delta Kappa Gamma, an international teaching organization.
SUSAN CORE
St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School
Susan Core has been teaching English at St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School since the school’s inception in 1981. The fi rst recipient of the Fort Chair in Writing at SAS, she has received many awards, including the Hubert Smothers Excellence in Teaching Award from the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools. Known for her encouraging nature, Susan has made a lasting impact on her students.
NATALIE COTHRAN
Brainerd High School
Natalie Cothran teaches chemistry and physical science at Brainerd High School. Described by students as a great listener and confi dant, Natalie coaches junior varsity girls basketball, sponsors the dance team and senior class, and helps with the student government. Additionally, Natalie serves as the Science Department chairperson, mentoring new teachers, and ensuring that all teachers have what they need to teach their students effectively.
TREVOR FULLER
Soddy Daisy High School
As a 9th grade English teacher at Soddy Daisy High School, Trevor Fuller works tirelessly to ensure that his students are engaged and actively learning. Known for encouraging learning through creativity, he customizes lesson plans to students’ individual interests. Each year, his students learn alongside other students from more than 12 different countries. Trevor has been honored as the Soddy Daisy High School Teacher of the Year and has received Hamilton County School Board’s Teaching Award.
TOM GARDNER
Sale Creek High School
Tom Gardner teaches science at Sale Creek High School. Tom is best known for encouraging his students to explore science through practical application. For example, he designed an Aviation Physics class that allows students to read aviation maps, plot fl ight plans and determine fl ight time based on weather patterns, all while learning valuable lessons in math, geography and science. Tom’s passion for science is contagious and has inspired his students.
DIXIE GRAY
Bachman Academy
Dixie Gray teaches reading and writing to children with learning differences at Bachman Academy. Recognized for introducing new techniques to keep her students engaged, using her musical, singing and acting talents, Dixie motivates and inspires her students. She is also known for being fair and respectful while providing an inspiring environment in the classroom.
MATT IRVIN
Notre Dame High School
Matt Irwin teaches AP classes in biology and environmental science, and an honors course in chemistry at Notre Dame High School. Known for his challenging style in the classroom, Matt works diligently to bring out the best in his students. His dedication to teaching has earned him the unique distinction of being the only Notre Dame employee to win the Heart of Notre Dame Award twice. This award is presented to individuals who best represent the values embraced by Notre Dame.
KELLEY KUHN
Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts
Kelley Kuhn teaches chemistry and physical science classes at the Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts. Known for her exceptional teaching and unrivaled enthusiasm for learning, Kelley’s students excel in science. Kelley recently received National Board Certifi cation. She is one of only 15 teachers in the Hamilton County School System to achieve this honor.
CLAIRE LANE
East Hamilton Middle/High School
Along with teaching 9th grade English, Claire Lane serves as English Department chair and literacy leader at East Hamilton Middle/High School. Known as a leader in the educational community, Claire has received the Teacher of Distinction honor from the Rotary Club, as well as High School Teacher of the Year by the Hamilton County Department of Education and Teacher of Excellence Award from the Hamilton County School Board.
ELIZABETH LEDGERWOOD
Hamilton County High School
Elizabeth Ledgerwood has taught English to seniors at Hamilton County High School for 12 years. Additionally, Elizabeth serves as a homebound teacher for students unable to attend school due to health reasons, and she teaches adult students with non-traditional schedules at the Hamilton County Adult High School. Known for her community service and constant pursuit of excellence, Elizabeth has also served her country in the United States Reserves for 22 years.
BETTY LEE
Silverdale Baptist Academy
Betty Lee spent the last seven years of her impressive 39-year career teaching math at Silverdale Baptist Academy. Well-loved by colleagues and students alike, Betty is known for her consistency and encouragement, as well as her genuine love for her students and personal investment in their future. Betty is described by her peers as an excellent example of selfl essness and dedication.
MICHAEL PICONE
Sequoyah High School
Michael Picone teaches English to 9th and 11th grade students at Sequoyah High School. His passion for teaching began in the Peace Corps where he served as a rural community educator and primary school teacher in the Republic of Vanuatu. Known for his technological skills, Michael facilitated the school’s fi rst website. He is also the lead teacher for Hamilton County Virtual School.
DR. DAWN RICHARDS
Baylor
Teaching chemistry, biology, and advanced placement courses in environmental science is just one facet of Dr. Dawn Richards’ career. In addition to teaching, she is dedicated to sustainability in her community and beyond. In 2008, Dawn became Baylor’s first sustainability coordinator. Under her leadership, the new Environmentally Concerned Organization for Students (ECOS) has promoted sustainability and affected positive change throughout the Chattanooga community and East Tennessee.
MARI SALTER
Lookout Valley Middle/High School
Mari Salter is passionate about her work as a Spanish teacher at Lookout Valley Middle/High School. Known for her unwavering energy, Mari uses innovative strategies to support teaching and learning. She serves on the school leadership team, is chairman of graduation activities and is involved with implementing high school reform initiatives and professional development activities. She also serves as a teacher-mentor, paving the way for excellent educators in the future.
MARY CATHERINE SCHIMPF
Chattanooga Christian High School
Mary Catherine Schimpf serves as theater director and teacher at Chattanooga Christian School. Thanks to her passion, vision and focus, CCS now hosts a thriving musical theater community. Known for her ability to discover and utilize the talents of students, teachers, parents and the community at large, Mary Catherine has directed several sell-out performances, including Annie, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Fiddler on the Roof.
DONNA SELLERS
Central High School
Donna Sellers has been a dedicated teacher at Central High School for over 17 years. Known for seeting high standards in her classroom, Donna is the lead teacher in the Math/Technology and Science Academy and also teaches anatomy/physiology, AP biology and biochemical nutrition. Donna is described by her peers as always looking for new and innovative ways to engage her students with a relevant, rigorous and engaging curriculum.
TINA LEE SMITH
Boyd-Buchanan
In her 23 years at Boyd-Buchanan teaching Spanish, Tina Lee Smith has impacted the lives of many students. Known for taking classroom learning to another level, Tina escorts students on a school sponsored mission trip to the City of Children near Ensenada, Mexico where they utilize their Spanish skills to interact with children. Tina is a cancer survivor and considers teaching a gift from God.
DONNA S. TAHERI
Howard School of Academics and Technology
Donna Taheri is dedicated to the students at Howard School of Academics and Technology. As the service learning coordinator, she helps senior year students fi nd volunteer and job placements based on their individual skills, talents and preferences. Thanks to her hard work and dedication, Donna’s students have discovered new opportunities that are serving to positively shape their futures.
CAROLE THOMAS
Signal Mountain High School
Carole Thomas has been teaching for 23 years, and currently teaches 9th grade Contemporary Issues at Signal Mountain High School. Having been named Teacher of the Year at Signal Mountain Middle School and Most Infl uential Teacher at Red Bank High School, Carole’s students not only meet high standards in the classroom, but they excel on the field. Under her leadership, the boys and girls cross country and the girls track team have won Hamilton County Championships.
CARMEN VELLER
Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences
Carmen Veller has been teaching freshman, sophomore and senior English at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences for 17 years. Enthusiastic and highly dedicated to her job, Carmen is known for developing students into avid readers and gifted writers. Excited about her work and the success of her students, Carmen is well-loved by both students and faculty.
DEWAYNE WATKINS
Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School
Dewayne Watkins teaches marketing principles, sports and entertainment marketing and computer applications to 9th, 11th and 12th grade students. He also serves as the head coach of the girls basketball team and the sponsor for the school’s Delta Epsilon Chi, an international association of high school and college business students. Recognized as a role model, Dewayne encourages and inspires his students to work hard and pursue their dreams.
RENNY WHITTENBARGER
Cleveland High School
Renny Whittenbarger teaches engineering to grades 9 through 12. Best known for his sense of humor and uncanny ability to make learning fun, Renny has dedicated his career to preparing high school students for the rigors of college-level engineering courses. In recognition of his teaching skills and commitment to his students, Renny has received the Claes Nobel Educators of Distinction for Excellence Award and has been selected Building Level Teacher of the Year twice.
DR. MICHAEL VAUGHAN WOODWARD
McCallie
Dr. Michael Vaughan Woodward has served as the Chairman of the History Department for more than 20 years. He currently teaches political theory and Advanced Placement U.S. History. Michael has twice been awarded the Keo-Kio Distinguished Teaching Award, the school’s highest honor for a faculty member, and in 2009, he was named a Faculty Fellow.