Think back to those school days, and it probably doesn’t take long to remember the name of your favorite teacher.
Most everybody has one — that special person who encouraged them to become the adult they’ve grown into. In recognition of this great impact teachers make, Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce representatives have recognized 11 such outstanding women from different schools in Northeast.
From six months to 48 years, the 11 honorees have diverse amounts of experience, and they all teach different grade levels and subjects. What connected them all, however, as expressed by their principals and nominators, was how much they care about their students.
Theresa Nine
McCoy Elementary School fifth-grade teacher
Activities: Kauffman Successful Schools Initiative, Balanced Literacy Benchmark Team, Title 1 Team, School Improvement Team.
Her nominator says: “She never stops learning.” |
Dorothy Brown
Woodland Elementary School first-grade teacher
Years taught: 37.5, more than 12 of which were at Woodland.
Her vice principal says: She is always smiling, is fair and honest, and the children love her. |
Diana Lehman
Don Bosco High School special education teacher
Years taught: Six months.
Her principal says: She is detail-oriented, conscientious and caring. “She was a hero this year,” she added. “She came in and really helped our special ed department come into compliance.” |
Gloria Fernetti
Thatcher Eighth Grade Center social studies teacher
Years taught: 48.
Activities: Yearbook, budget, Flags of the World Celebration, social studies chair, student and peer mediation.
Her nominator says: “She’s diligent in her duties.” |
Jeanne Buffa
Scuola Vita Nuova first-grade teacher
Years taught: 20, at different schools, although she says Scuola Vita Nuova has been the best yet.
She says: “I’m just having fun.” |
Joyce Fagan
Whittier Elementary School fifth-grade teacher
Years taught: 20, 15 at Whittier.
Activities: Child Study Team, Professional Development Committee, teaching Catholic classes at her church.
Her nominator says: “She is an important part of Whittier’s foundation.” |
Kathy Coleman
St. Stephen’s Academy fifth- and sixth-grade teacher
Years taught: 20, all at St. Stephen’s.
Her principal says: She is a mentor, a curriculum coach. “Every year there are students who come back and have to speak to Ms. Coleman,” he added. |
Katheryne Hayes
Northeast High School business teacher
Years taught: Six, all at NEHS.
Activities: Junior class sponsor, senior class sponsor, SLC coordinator, American Business Women’s Association.
Her nominator says: She is a hard worker, goes above and beyond. |
Ruby Vaughn
Garfield Elementary School second-grade teacher
Years taught: More than 35, three at Garfield.
Her vice principal says: “She’s just an asset to our school, and we’re so happy to have her.” |
Sandra Hall
Northeast Elementary School kindergarten teacher
Years taught: 24, all in the Kansas City, Mo., school district.
Activities: Grade level chair, Professional Development Committee, School Improvement Plan, United Way, Harvesters and Boy Scout volunteer. |
Sally Robinson
Holy Cross Catholic School kindergarten teacher
Years taught: 30, all at Holy Cross. She retires this year.
Her principal says: She has a good attitude, is a nurturer and a mentor to younger teachers. “Sally is an institution.” |
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