Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/68725
Great Schools Great Communities Hanby's Sandy Meredith WJBR's Teacher of the Month who was nominated by three par- ents of her first graders at Hanby Elementary School in the Brandywine School District. Sandy received a plaque and dinner for two at Cafe Gelato. She was surprised one afternoon C recently when WJBR's Charlie Maxx (of John and Charlie in the Morning), two parents, her princi- pal, a representative from DSEA, and her daughter walked into her room to make the presentation. What parents say about Sandy Meredith "Her class adores her because she is caring, creative and dedicated. She makes learning fun every day and takes the time to truly get to know her students. …As a parent, I appreciate her nurturing teaching style and insightful feedback. My son loves to read her detailed com- ments on his papers. Her words are so encouraging and thoughtful. She also has a great sense of humor (which is essential in first grade!)" "When you walk into her class- room, you will see her always bustling about from child to child as she helps them prepare for the day… She never talks down to the kids, even when she has to get a lit- tle stern with them. She is always calm and respectful. She also treats every child equally and gives them so much of her time." "Mrs. Meredith is a caring and seasoned teacher who gives 110% -- every day. Both my daughters have had her, and their learning experi- ences were most excellent.... She goes out of her way to be not only an educator, but a role model for the children, showing them that learn- ing is fun and to be cherished.... She emphasizes good choices and teach- es the kids to build relationships and how to work as a team." To nominate a favorite teacher, family members are urged to go to http://wjbr.com/contest/teacher- monthand complete an online form there. This contest is sponsored by DSEA. WJBR's Charlie Maxx (right) surprises Sandy Meredith of Hanby E.S. with Teacher of the Month gifts. Joshua Dean Baker wins the 2012 Christopher K. Smith Memorial Future Teacher Scholarship Joshua hopes to become a history teacher or band director at a high school after graduating from the University of Delaware. A senior at Sussex Central High School in the Indian River School District, Joshua has a strong academic record and an impressive resume of extracurricular activities. He is ranked second in his class of 310 students. Joshua is an AP Scholar, a 2012 Secretary of Education Scholar, a member of National Honor Society and much more. Joshua has an intense apprecia- tion for music that was clear in his application for DSEA's Future Teacher Scholarship. He is a member of the Sussex Central High School marching band and vice president of the SCHS band. Joshua has earned a Joshua Baker graduates with High Honors this year from Sussex Central High School. place on the Sussex Country Honor Band for the last four years. Although he recognizes that teaching is a challenging profes- sion, he is ready to take on the challenge. "Teachers have one of the most difficult jobs imaginable. No other career has so many lives depending on it." The DSEA selection committee read 36 applications. Joshua was selected based on his academic record, teacher recommendations and essay focusing on the future of education and teacher account- ability. Joshua will be awarded $1,000 for each of his four years in school. ongratulations to Sandy Meredith, WJBR's Teacher of the Month for March, More radio spots hit airwaves hanks to our communica- tions intern, Rachel McCubbin, we've been build- ing our community thanks to regu- lar Facebook postings tied to the school year. Rachel uses a combina- tion of news from schools and dis- tricts with information for parents that is topical, such as bullying, prom safety, driving safety, etc. As of this writing, this Facebook page has 3,556 "likes." Each time we are able to run ads, the "likes" jump dramatically. You can check it out and add your voice to the conversa- tion at www.facebook.com/Great SchoolsGreatCommunities. Thanks to an NEA Advertising Assistance Grant, we're continuing to promote the Great Schools Facebook page and website with a combination of website story cre- ation, "sponsored story" ads and Facebook and Google search ads. T Two members are also recording radio spots to begin in June with a week-long flight on radio stations statewide. They are Annie Neubauer, right, a fourth grade teacher at Silver Lake Elementary School in Appoquinimink; and Jill Lewandowski, an 8th grade ELA teacher at Phillis Wheatley Middle School in Woodbridge. You can hear the new ads at www.greatschoolsgreat communi ties.com. 18 May/June 2012 DSEA ACTION! www.dsea.org