Congratulations teachers

The Moorcroft Elementary congratulates Ms. Thea Dittman, Mrs. Alyson Nelson and Mrs. Emily Bishop on being nominated as finalists for Teacher of the Year!

Thea Dittman is originally from Spearfish, SD. "This is my 5th year teaching 2nd grade in Moorcroft! I initially interviewed in Moorcroft because the principal at the time, Teresa Brown, called me 3-5 times a day for about two weeks. I was student teaching and I thought it was a spam call so I kept ignoring it! Once I gave in to an interview, I absolutely loved the team and the culture of the school so I took the job and have been here ever since."

"I stayed in Moorcroft because I love the kids here and the staff I work with! I also met my fiancé Cameron here. I love teaching for so many reasons but the biggest reason is the relationships I make with everyone. I love hearing what the kids do on the weekends, supporting them at extracurricular games and making those bonds and friendships with them. When a student feels welcome and safe in the classroom, the learning comes naturally. I love my job because it's exciting, rewarding and something different every day!" 

Alyson Nelson is a Wyoming native, from Newcastle. "Before working at the school district, I worked for Region III Developmental Center, where I taught at Moorcroft Preschool.  I commuted back and forth for a few years and once my oldest son was starting school, I did not want to commute anymore.  We decided to move to Moorcroft, that was 11 years ago!"  

"This is my 10th year at Moorcroft Elementary, 16th year teaching. Every day is an adventure and truly never the same.  I also love when one of my students finally understands something that we have been working on!  It's the best feeling when you can see all the pieces click!"

Emily Bishop is originally from New Jersey, born and raised. "I worked on a dude ranch out here in 2012 and fell in love with Wyoming so, in 2015, I packed up my truck and headed west. I worked in Gillette for some time as a paraprofessional and, when I got my teaching certificate, I ventured out to Crook County."

"This is year six of teaching for me. Teaching is my passion and I absolutely love what I do. Being able to build relationships with my students and their families is something I will cherish forever. Not only that, but making a positive difference in a child's life is the most rewarding feeling ever. I love it when I have past students come and visit or still give me hugs in the hallway. Being a role model for young children is amazing!"

Crook County School District #1 Superintendent Mark Broderson describes the process of nominating and awarding the Teacher of the Year: "Staff members are asked to nominate teachers they feel would qualify for teacher of the year. The only criteria we have is they must be a tenured teacher."   

"Once the nominations are in, a form is sent to all applications for them to complete and once the applications are submitted, they are turned over to a selection committee for review. This year, we had 13 staff members complete applications of the many who were nominated. The committee makes their selection and then we notify all who applied and the chosen teacher. Filling out the application takes some time and effort so we try to recognize everyone that applies.  The application form is also part of the process they need to complete to apply for the WY teacher of the year recognition."

There is one who accepts the award and that well-deserving teacher was announced last week, However, every nominee is chosen by the same criteria, thus each is awarded the accolades of their peers. Well done.