Scott Binford (Wattles Elementary) is a Third (3rd) Grade teacher nominated by parents of his students. Scott has modeled his teaching techniques by mentoring student teachers from Wayne State and Oakland University. Scott taught elementary school is both Van Dyke Public Schools and in Detroit. To excite student learning, Scott has turned his classroom into a farm, or a desert, or a jungle habitat during nonfiction report time.
Scott celebrates learners’ success by sparking students’ interests which makes them confident. He works with children before school for extra support and ensures that students have social connections even on the playground.
Scott shares his life experiences from his eight years in the military and work for the medical industry as a connection for students with the real world. He goes the extra mile to advocate fro using research and best practices in teaching literacy. Students’ comments include, “I think he is nice and funny and always tells us to do our best” and “I enjoy it [school store with Binford Bucks] so much, I come home and play school all the time”.
Congratulations to Scott for his nomination as an elementary teacher of the year candidate.

Lisa Carruthers (Leonard Elementary-Elementary Finalist) is in her eleventh (11th) year as a Fifth (5th) Grade teacher in Troy and was selected to represent Troy at the county level as Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Lisa is a Troy School District graduate and as such chose to use her talents and experiences to share with the next generation of Troy students. Lisa has coached girls’ soccer, been NCA Writing Goal Chair, served as a math in-service facilitator, uses “Smart-board” technology and mentors student teachers. Her extensive involvement as a NASA Downlink Team member provided a wonderful opportunity for Leonard students which she coordinated in a thematic manner.
Lisa uses the concept on a mini-society in her classroom where students have a “choice and a voice”. She continually raises the bar for success not only for her students but also for herself as noted by her colleagues’ nomination. Lisa is described as being tireless and having an innate sense of knowing how to impact students. She is well respected for her expertise, high motivation and incredible professionalism. Lisa’s list of accomplishments is testimony to her citizenship and leadership roles within the Troy School District.
Lisa is recognized for her “devotion to students and the teaching profession” as demonstrated through strong moral character. She shows students unconditional support and compassion using praise as an effective tool to motivate students. One student described Ms. Carruthers as “honest, kind, sweet and her positive attitude shines on her like the sun shines on a beautiful day”.
Congratulations to Lisa for being named Troy Elementary Teacher of the Year 2010!

Kristine Casko (Smith Middle School-Middle School Finalist) nominated by three colleagues has taught for six (6) years in Troy in addition to her years of teaching experience in Indiana. Kris is a social studies teacher at Smith Middle School who espouses the highest standards.
Whether it is coordinating and running a most significant community activity, Relay for Life, Race for the Cure or a community night at which diversity is celebrated, Kris has what is takes to challenge students to aspire to greatness. Simply put, Kris Casko teachers by example whether she is coaching students at sporting events or strengthening relationships with student teachers through mentoring.
Her passion about life and her subject matter cause students of all ages to learn because Kris’s passion translates to them. Congratulations, Kris, for being named as Troy Middle School Teacher of the Year!

Scott Gibbons (Troy High School) intentionally presents a high level of energy engaging students though ‘facts paired with anecdotes, obscurely fascinating tidbits and portions of skits’, complimented with different voices. Scott’s ideas are backed with reason which serves the purpose of capturing students’ excitement thusly connecting with students at various levels.
As a social studies/history teacher at Troy High School for over ten (10) years, Scott is known to pursue history into the realm of ethics and morals through ‘presentations, simulations and games’ intended to ‘mold a student into a positive contributor’.
The former student nominator points out that there is a distinction between teaching and educating students to their highest potential. Scott Gibbons has the ability to get it done with an approachable manner and impressive humility along with certain described “nerdy Canadian humor.” Way to go, Scott as nominee for high school Teacher of the Year 2010!

Kristen Karbon (Troy High School) is a former Troy student who became a Troy teacher with a career spanning twenty-three (23) years. The Troy High Math Department is home away from home where Kris teaches Advanced Algebra part of the school day. In addition she holds the position of Mastery Manager for THS data system where results of assessment drive collaboration thusly impacting teaching not only at the secondary level but across the district.
Kris ensures that student learn math and powerful life lessons. She honors the individual needs of students every day by incorporating visual, kinesthetic and auditory opportunities to discover math concepts in a meaningful manner taking into account the individual needs of her students. Kris demonstrates purposeful teaching from the warm-up to the homework. Her lessons help students along the journey to becoming “mathematically powerful” people by understanding the relevance of what is taught.
Kris administers to the whole school community as she is a leader among teachers who works to refine the K-12 math curriculum to provide a seamless and coherent math experience. She works with new teachers and helps to plan and facilitate professional development meeting for all Troy math teachers. Congratulation, Kris!

Lynsey MacDonald (Barnard Elementary) nominated by colleagues has taught for over 5 years. As a Barnard Kindergarten teacher she represents educational standards at the other end of the spectrum which enables students to begin school careers with a great deal of success.
Whether through mystery guest readers, hands on learning, or innovative approaches to student learning, Lynsey is know to impact children as she prepares them to live thoughtfully and responsibly in this world. Through her ability to reach children in early childhood, she instills in her Kindergarteners a sense of confidence and encouragement which carries them not simply through Kindergarten but across their elementary school careers.
Students experience a connection to the community by incorporating community helpers such as police officers, firefighters and dental hygienists to share their work experiences and knowledge. Students are encouraged to learn by example as they participate in donations to local food banks in lieu of birthday treats.
Lynsey’s innovative teaching techniques focused through hands-on learning, help students develop early math and science concepts. Working on her Masters Degree in literacy skills, Lynsey designs lessons to support early reading and writing skills with a unique approach and learning tools. Congratulations, Lynsey for your special recognition as a candidate for Teacher of the Year 2010!

Terri McCormick (Smith Middle School) is currently a 7th grade science teacher at Smith Middle School in her eighth (8) year of teaching for Troy Schools. She uses cutting edge technology as demonstrated through involvement with NASA downlink in February. Terri is known to tailor her unique approach to understanding the needs of the individual student. In doing so, Terri teaches confidence to her students in learning science.
Terri willingly shares her skills and knowledge with student teachers to pass on best practices to the next generation. Students think of Terri as a challenging teacher and look upon experience in her classroom as not just lucky but privileged as they have an influence on society by their involvement in opportunities for learning. Students know that failure is not an option both at NASA and within her classroom. Terri is extremely positive and caring with students as she offers insightful discussion and creates and engaging atmosphere for learning. Through this classroom experience, she teaches confidence by recognizing the individual needs.
Terri’s approach to problem solving is one of action and teamwork as she goes the distance for kids and colleagues. Congratulations to one who enjoyed the real-time microgravity experience in preparation for the NASA Downlink adventures.

Tammy Polena (Schroeder Elementary) teaches 5th grade and has been in Troy for over eleven (11) years. Tammy is known for her “hands-on, minds-on and hearts-on approach” toward learning which sum-up her quest to make a difference for students.
Tammy is a firm believer in differentiating instruction and the use of a variety of approaches to impact student success. Whether using the latest research for reading or continuous improvement, Tammy’s hard work and abundant knowledge of content support the curriculum success across the district. “Having a great teacher can pave the pathway of the future for your child”. This statement is typical of what parents view as a very “special teacher” who is known as a very “special person” in the lives of many. Students know that her classroom is their home away from home, a place where all can feel special and good about where they are going in the future.
Tammy is a leader not only at her building (PLC/NCA) for continuous school improvement but serves on the district steering committee too. She is a respected leader who works collaboratively with staff making the district a better place for all to learn. Tammy models good citizenship outside the classroom through community service endeavors including work to help feed and support the homeless at a local shelter. Congratulations as an elementary Teacher of the Year 2010!

Eric Prowse (Troy High School) was nominated by a current student who states that Eric never fails “to bring humorous, subjective commentary to an otherwise strictly objective subject”-AP calculus/math. Teaching just over nine (9) years with 4.5 years in the Troy School District at Troy High School, Eric is a most effective and motivational leader through mutual respect, listening and model behaviors with students and colleagues. Eric develops a “trusting relationship between teacher and student that leads not only to understanding but [creates] an enjoyable path along the way”.
Students know Eric on another level as the boys’ track and cross country coach. His actions speak volumes to parents as they watch their boys turn into men under his example. The zest and energy exhibited in the sports arena carries into his classroom with students. Eric constantly strives to make students’ learning experiences at Troy high the best and with it, “himself the best they can be”. Congratulations as a nominee for high school Teacher of the Year 2010!

Kyle Rogers (Hamilton Elementary), fifth (5th) Grade teacher for five years, is known for a “neighborhood classroom which is a world of spontaneity and discovery in which technology and change are openly embraced as part of the learning process”. Nominated by a number of parents, Kyle represents the future of education and what is “good” for children. His sensitivity to student needs is exampled by compassion and personal stories recounted by students and Kyle alike. Reaching students on another plane, allows Kyle to act with sincerity and purpose.
Kyle provides a stable and predictable structure within the classroom to facilitate the needs of all learners. His ability to know each child as an individual allows each child to feel valued and connected. Kyle’s style of teaching enables the use of dress-up book reports to creative spelling assignments that put fun and meaning behind each lesson. Kyle guides his students with confidence and control which provides safe boundaries for all. Whether first known as a student teacher attending PTA meetings or now as a more experienced classroom teacher, Kyle captured the essence of his abilities to find meaning and connection for students, parents and staff alike in the 2010 world of education. Special kudos for a great elementary nominee for Teacher of the Year 2010!

Pauline Walker (Athens High School-High School Finalist), teaching over 36 years at Athens High School, AP English teacher, Pauline is this year’s winner of a car. Her career spans decades of experience and the ability to adapt to the changing world of education.
She has taught her students to “write but not by chiseling the model for a five-paragraph essay into their young minds”. Rather her in-depth knowledge, skills and abilities followed a classic teaching style. Armed with tools of cognition and the necessary building blocks of writing, students leaned how to read an argument, how to understand a paragraph, how to see the beauty in a piece of literature.
Whether teaching debate class, AP English or other courses, Pauline’s teaching with emphasis on original thought, problem solving and analytical thinking has brought student learning to a level of student choice and independence ultimately prepared for addressing the challenges of life.
Colleagues recognize Pauline’s ability to incorporate resources that are current, relevant and engaging. Students are armed with knowledge of the requirements, protocols and procedure of the AP exams which help guarantee student success in facing the rigors of testing. Pauline has mentored many student teachers and probationary teachers who remained inspired by her commitment, creativity and ingenuity. She has gained the admiration, respect and confidence of students, parents, administrators and colleagues alike; a master accomplishment for any teaching career. We extend our congratulations and best wishes as the district finalist for Troy Teacher of the Year 2010!