The Madill Public School Board recognized the Teacher of the Year for each school level on January 25, 2021. Tammara Cook is the Early Chidhood Center Teacher of the Year and teaches first grade. A few of Cook’s colleagues gave their congratulations, and took the opportunity to voice their appreciation.
“I have had the privilege of working with Tammara for 20 plus years,” Lynise Parrish said. “She is truly a teacher who loves what she does and displays this through her strong work ethic. She currently serves as our first grade team leader; a role that requires countless hours of extra time. Tammara works diligently each week preparing the slides for our Google Classroom. She organizes our team meetings as well as guides and directs the virtual students. She does all ofthis while maintaining her own classroom. She has a love for children and it shows.”
“Not only is Tammara a great teacher and friend, she has a heart of gold,” Parrish continued. “She is the first to offer help if needed and the last to leave if something needs to be addressed. I’ve often said that Tammara is just a phone call away. I am proud to say CONGRATULATIONS on being selected as our 2020-21 ECC Teacher of the Year.”
“Mrs. Cook truly has a heart for students and her fellow colleagues,” Elissa Cox said. “She is ALWAYS the first to offer help if any student or teacher has a need. It doesn’t matter whether it is educational or personal, she is one that will help in whatever capacity arises. Tammara is very dedicated to helping her students succeed in the classroom. She always goes the extra mile to see that her students get either extra assistance or enrichment.”
“This year especially, Tammara has gone above to make sure that the students receiving virtual lessons also get the same things as traditional in class learners,” Cox continued. “She has spent many hours of her time preparing and notifying virtual students of this material. I can consistently count on Tammara to get the job done! I am truly proud of Mrs. Tammara Cook and excited for her accomplishment as the ECC Teacher of the Year.”
Kim Scott is a second grade teacher for Madill Elementary School. Tracie Jones, one of Scott’s colleagues, said she is an inspiration, and deserves the honor of teacher of the year.
“I’ve worked with Kim Scott now for 21 years; she has been a constant inspiration and a true friend,” said Jones. “Any child who has ever had the privilege of being one of her students knows her dedication and love, for not only teaching, but for her students personally. She goes above and beyond for all her students, family, and friends. She cares deeply about those in her class and strives for them to be successful. I am privileged to call her my friend, my co worker, and Madill Elementary’s Teacher of the Year.”
“Ms. Scott’s level of dedication com-pares to few others in this profession,” noted Krist Birdson. “She works tirelessly to ensure the success of both her current and her former students. Kim Scott is the epitome of what every parent should desire for their children.”
Madill Middle School’s Teacher of the Year is Shanda Burnett, an eighth grade Language Arts teacher. Some of her colleagues jumped at the opportunity to say how much she deserves the honor.
“Mrs. Burnett is enthusiastic about education and supportive of her students,” said Gaylynn Pierce. “She has a ton of energy and always goes the extra mile to make things interesting and fun in her classroom. We are blessed to have her teaching in our school.”
“Mrs. Burnett is amazing,” Michelle Vann said. “She goes out of her way to make her classes interesting and engaging. She daily affirms her students individually to make sure they are cared for and loved. She is always willing to go above and beyond to make her students have what they need. Mrs. Burnett is an assett to Madill Middle School and embodies what it means to be a Wildcat.”
The teacher of the year for Madill High School is Bobbie J. Whitten. She is the computer teacher and a few of her colleagues said the honor is well deserved.
“Ms. Whitten has served the students of Madill High School extremely well in her illustrious career,” Brandon Jacks said. “The subject of com-puters she instructs is essential in today’s global community and job market. She teachers it effectively. This is demonstrated by her willingness to meet students where they are at in life and in the educational process. She sees the person first and then instructs them as a student second.”
“She has worn several different hats both literally and figuratively in order to see the functions of school are carried out in an orderly fashion,” Jacks continued. “School is much more than 8 to 3. She never shrinks away from extra responsibilities. Entering information on a track database, preparingteam meals, handling athletic conference and tournament business, printing signs, plus maintaining homecoming and prom necessities. But, she has strived to meet students educational needs on a regular basis. She is someone that students can count on to help them.”
“Mrs. Whitten has been a Madill Wildcat for many years,” Jason Ward stated. “She
has faithfully served multiple generations of Wildcats with a passion and connection that they will remember long after graduations. She is very deserving of being the High School Teacher of the Year for all that she has done for our students.”
Madill Public Schools Superintendent Larry Case took the time to thank all four teachers of the year for their dedication. Congratulations.”