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BP Teachers of Excellence Honored for Outstanding Contributions to Education

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Seven dedicated teachers from the Anchorage School District have been recognized as BP Teachers of Excellence for their exceptional commitment to educating their students. Each teacher has been awarded a $500 U.S. Savings Bond, a commemorative plaque, and an invitation to tour BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc.'s facilities on the North Slope. These outstanding educators have demonstrated a passion for teaching and a dedication to inspiring their students.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tam Agosti-Gisler, a social studies and French teacher at Gruening Middle School, has traveled to over 55 countries and incorporates her experiences into her teaching, making her students informed world citizens with a respect and appreciation for other cultures and languages.
  • Susan Derrera, an advanced-placement literature and composition teacher at Dimond High School, takes an unusual approach to reach her students, even speaking in iambic pentameter in her poetry class, and has been a role model to her students.
  • Cheryl Hilmes, a third- and fourth-grade teacher at Polaris K-12 School, was nominated by over 10 parents and students for her innovative teaching methods and dedication to promoting environmental responsibility through the Polaris Green Star club.
  • Bill Lasher, a sixth-grade teacher at Kasuun Elementary School, believes that fun plays a big part in learning and has incorporated hands-on activities, such as meeting zoo animals and developing film, into his teaching approach.
  • Naomi Mayer, a kindergarten teacher at Pacific Northern Academy, has raised the level of study in her class and has taken her students on adventures, including bringing pig's lungs and a cow's heart to class, and making dream catchers and masks.
  • Rosie Stauffer, a special-education teacher at Service High School, has achieved great success with her students, including publishing an ABC coloring book and a bilingual children's book, and has founded sign-language clubs at her school.
  • Mike Woods, a natural-resources management teacher at King Career Center, gives his students hands-on experience in the field of natural-resource management and has taken them on trips to repair trails and clear brush and fallen trees.

Statistics:

  • The seven teachers have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to education and have received a $500 U.S. Savings Bond each.
  • Over 55 countries have been visited by Tam Agosti-Gisler, a social studies and French teacher at Gruening Middle School.
  • 13-year teacher Susan Derrera has taught at multiple schools, including Palmer High School, Gruening Middle School, and Dimond High School.
  • The Polaris Green Star club, founded by Cheryl Hilmes, has promoted environmental responsibility among its members.

Sources:

  • "BP Awards Teachers of Excellence" (no date)
  • "Teachers Honored by BP" (no date)
  • The Anchorage School District (no date)

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