WIESBADEN, Germany – Dr. Elizabeth Walker, Heidelberg District Superintendent, announced the selection of Courtney Skelly, a third grade teacher at Mannheim Elementary School, as the Heidelberg District Teacher of the Year.

Walker, accompanied by Frank Roehl, Assistant Superintendent, and Debbie Brooks, Principal, surprised Skelly in a special announcement assembly organized for all the third grade teachers and students.

Skelly is excited and enthusiastic about her work. She said she feels that education is a rewarding profession. “I absolutely love coming to work each morning.” She considers herself a life-long learner who strives to learn more about her profession, her students, and changes in the field of education. She describes Mannheim Elementary School as an environment where the staff dedicates themselves to meeting the needs of the students through collaboration and on-going professional development and learning.

Skelly’s motivation to become a teacher stems from her own school experiences. “I was blessed with many teachers who reached out and made a difference in my life,” she said. Her hope is to give her students as many wonderful educational experiences as possible. Skelly feels fortunate to be assigned to Mannheim Elementary School. In 1999, she completed her student teaching at the school and then returned to Missouri. She completed her Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science in Education degree at Northwest Missouri State University. She returned to Mannheim Elementary School in January 2001 as a second grade teacher.

Skelly was nominated for the Heidelberg District Teacher of the Year by a colleague who describes her as an “excellent ambassador for the teaching profession and a teacher leader who is respected and lauded by her peers.”

Brooks’ comment best summarizes Skelly’s selection for the Heidelberg District Teacher of the Year 2007-2008. She said, “Mrs. Skelly is all about kids and learning. She has touched the lives of all of the children in her care. Teaching is her passion.”

Dennis K. Bohannon
Public Affairs Officer
Office of the Director
DoDDS-Europe
DSN 338-7612
CIV (49) 0611-380-7612
FAX: DSN 338-7685 CIV 0611-380-7685
dennis.bohannon@eu.dodea.edu

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