Kirby Middle Schools Clementina Ojiaku was named North Forest ISDs 2007-2008 Teacher of the Year at the Celebration of Excellence: Dancing with the Stars held May 19.
A special education teacher, Ojiaku said she feels especially honored. Because special education students dont have some of the same requirements as other students, Ojiaku said special education teachers are sometimes seen, but not heard.
When you become a teacher, you are a teacher of children, not just special education or special needs children, she said.
The star-studded evening also highlighted service pin recipients and retirees. And in keeping with the nights theme, it featured special dance performances by NFISD staff and students.
But the moment everyone waited for was the presentation of the campus teachers of the year. They are Mitzi Ball (Rogers), Alma Cooper (Elmore), Pamela Denmon (Oak Village), Anitra Grant (Thurgood Marshall), Shawanna Jasper (Shadydale), Lenora Lewis (Learning Academy), Willie Montgomery (Fonwood), Clementina Ojiaku (Kirby), Shaunda Roberts (Lakewood), Helen Shields (Tidwell), Neelam Singh (Hilliard) and Kimberli Wright (Forest Brook).
M.B. Smiley Principal Erroll Garrett stood in for his schools teacher, the late Barbara Stack.
Each of the educators were lauded for their commitment to teaching, but reminded that only one could reign as the districts overall teacher of the year during the upcoming school term.
Both the elementary and secondary teacher of the year receive a $500 stipend. The overall teacher of the year, chosen from the two, receives an additional $500.
After all of the campus nominees were named, the elementary and secondary teachers of the year were announced as Shields and Ojiaku respectively. And Ojiaku was named the district teacher of the year. In her new role, she hopes to take a more active part in the district and the surrounding community.
Its a big hat, she said. Now I am an ambassador for the entire school district. I just dont want to be confined anymore. As district teacher of the year, I really have to be one there in my school district
doing anything that will make life better for our children.
While the teacher of the year selection was the evenings highlight, long-time district employees and retirees were also recognized.
District employees received service pins for five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years of service.
W.E. Rogers Principal Tatyanna Williams accepted a pin on behalf of Rogers employee Myrtle Melvin for 40 years service to the district.
Interim Superintendent William Jones congratulated all honorees on behalf of the district.
Thank you for your commitment to our students and our district family, Jones said.
