Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/618006
Winter 2015 | WEAnews 10 Great Things Happen Everyday Sponsored By The Wyoming Highway Patrol Amy Pierson, a fourth grade teacher at Cloud Peak Elementary in Johnson County School District #1, has been named Wyoming's 2016 Teacher of the Year. "Mrs. Pierson puts students first, because they are the center of what she does in her class every day. Amy is the type of educator who realizes that the classroom is a place where discovery happens, and the WEA is so proud to have the Wyoming Teacher of the Year as an active member of our organization," said WEA President Kathy Vetter. On the particular day WEA visited Amy in her classroom recently, her class as well as two other fourth grade classes were involved in an exciting archeological dig. This type of lesson was brought about by collaboration with the rigorous Wyoming standards, critical thinking, and a new approach to learning in the district called Project-Based Learning (PBL). Amy has worked with her principal and local school board to bring PBL to her school, and she said this type of learning "puts students in the driver's seat, and holds the students accountable for their work through compromise, cooperation and other life skills." Amy attributes her success to a large team effort brought by other teachers in her school. "We're all teachers of the year; I'm not isolated in this effort," she said. The team effort is shown in the collaboration among her students in the classroom, or as she calls them, "a family of learners here to support each other." Cloud Peak Elementary School Principal Craig Anderson says Mrs. Pierson is someone they rely on. "Whether it is learning about best practices, working with a struggling student, mentoring a fellow staff member, or making a change in her teaching assignment, Amy has a 'whatever it takes' mindset. Her comfort isn't her most pressing concern. She understands that 'what is best for students might be uncomfortable for the adults.' Her passion is helping students discover a love of the learning process." Mrs. Pierson writes: "One of the greatest privileges that I get to see transpire within the school calendar year is a community of learners that was once individuals, but becomes something so much more. The community within my classroom fosters independence in thinking, but carries the realization that more minds working together can accomplish goals that once seemed impossible alone. I model a growth mindset for my students making sure they understand that if they work hard enough and persevere through difficult content or tasks, they will eventually 'Get It!' In fact, if a student who is frustrated and discouraged states, 'I don't get this,' a chorus of student voices will echo off the classroom walls, 'Yet!'" Mrs. Pierson began her career as a kindergarten teacher at Meadowlark Elementary in Buffalo. She has been in her present position teaching third through fifth grade at Cloud Peak Elementary since 2008. Mrs. Pierson is a National Board Certified Teacher, serves as a mentor for others, actively seeks out leadership roles on committees, and assists in training other teachers. This summer she attended the World Conference for Project-Based Learning to lead implementation at her school. She also serves as the vice president of the International Reading Association and is part of the leadership team for Johnson County Education Association. As the 2016 Wyoming Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Pierson will serve as an education ambassador for the state. Wyoming's Teacher of the Year automatically becomes the nominee for the National Teacher of the Year Program, which is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers, sponsored by Voya Financial, Inc. WEA Member Amy Pierson Named 2016 Wyoming Teacher Of The Year