Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/827301
| wyoea.org 9 Kutzer starts "Girls Who Code" in Casper – Receives Harriet "Liz" Byrd Award NCEA member Marci Kutzer was one of two proud recipients of WEA's Harriet "Liz" Byrd Award this year. She was selected because of her work within the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, and helping girls break into those fields with her club called "Girls Who Code." Marci began the extracurricular club, "Girls Who Code," at Cottonwood Elementary, where she teaches third grade. This club gives girls at the school ages 8-12 an opportunity to develop beginning computer coding skills. "Embodying the true meaning of 'Equality State,' these young girls are developing skills and self-efficacy that will allow them to breach one of the few remaining glass ceilings and will allow the girls that come after them to readily envision themselves as computer programmers, designers and engineers," said Dirk Andrews, NCEA Vice President. "[Marci] is a creative and inspiring role model for these young minds. Other teachers across the district have become interested in this work, and have enlisted her advice and support for the coding experiences for girls in their schools," said Leah Boyd- Merchant, an Instructional Facilitator at Cottonwood Elementary who has worked with Marci for five years. Marci is a member of Natrona County School District's Diversity Task Force, is involved in local and national politics, and frequently volunteers for numerous local charities and social justice programs. The Harriet "Liz" Byrd Award recognizes an individual or group for outstanding contributions in the areas of human relations, multiculturalism and/or diversity in the field of education. The Byrd Award honors an educator, friend of education, or group who has worked to promote collaboration and harmony among diverse groups. The two awards this year are the first Byrd Awards the WEA has presented in four years. John Trohkimoinen, "Mr. T.," Honored with NFIE Award John Trohkimoinen, more commonly known as "Mr. T." to colleagues and students, is the recipient of the NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education (NFIE) Award for Teaching Excellence, sponsored by California Casualty – one of the nation's most prestigious honors for public educators. The Wyoming Education Association selected Mr. T. for the honor after colleagues wrote numerous letters on his behalf. "His consistent work ethic, attention to detail, and advocacy for students and staff members has propelled him into a natural leadership role at our beloved school," said fellow educator Tom Grogan. John goes out of his way to ensure all staff has a voice for "reasonable change and purpose," Grogan continued. Mr. T. has taught in Casper for almost 30 years, and has gained the respect of not only colleagues and students, but administrators as well. "He frequently interacts with parents during school and non-school events alike, paying special attention to those families with at-risk students…. [H]e attends multiple meetings and events designed to engage students and ensure successful educational outcomes," said Natrona County High School Principal Shannon Harris. John Trohkimoinen is one of many awardees who will be honored at the NEA Foundation's Salute to Excellence at the Education Gala to be held sometime early next year. Known as the Academy Awards of public education, the gala attracts more than 850 of the nation's leaders from public education, philanthropy and the private sector. SUMMER 2017