Sarah Awe, Prairie Trace Elementary teacher, has been named the 2015 Stephen A. Backer Teacher of the Year for Carmel Clay Schools (CCS). Awe is a 4th/5th High Ability teacher.
Dr. Nicholas D. Wahl, Superintendent of Schools, members of the CCS Administration and Awe’s family surprised Awe and her colleagues by making the announcement at her school on April 20.
Nominations for Awe shared reoccurring themes that describe her as “a dynamic educator who teaches beyond the textbook,” “generous in sharing ideas and helping colleagues” and “a teacher who makes it her priority to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of every child.” Awe will now represent CCS in the Indiana Teacher of the Year competition.
“Sarah demonstrates the qualities of a truly exceptional educator. She enthusiastically strives to meet the needs of the whole child, creates innovative and stimulating lessons, is willing to work together with her peers and communicates openly and effectively with parents,” stated Dr. Wahl.
Awe received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University and a master’s degree in Education Effective Teaching from Butler University. Awe was hired by CCS in 2001. In addition to her current position, Awe has been an elementary lead teacher for three years, has participated in curriculum writing, after-school remediation and professional development planning and facilitation.
Stephen A. Backer Teacher of the Year nominations are made by students, parents and colleagues each spring. A selection committee consisting of teachers and administrators thoroughly reviews the nominations, conducts interviews and then selects a recipient in April. The CCS Teacher of the Year is endowed by the Stephen A. Backer Teacher of the Year Award through the Carmel Education Foundation (CEF). This award was created in memory of Mr. Backer, who served on the CCS Board of Trustees from 1994 to 1998 and from 2006 until his passing in March of 2009. Mr. Backer held the position of School Board President for five of those years and is remembered as an advocate and supporter of Carmel Clay Schools. Donations in support of the award can be made through CEF at http://www1.ccs.k12.in.us/foundation/home.
To read about previous CCS Teacher of the Year recipients, please visit the Carmel Clay Schools’ website at http://www1.ccs.k12.in.us/private/current-employees/teacher-of-the-year.
