Kim Fletcher was shocked when she walked into her classroom Friday, May 9 to a loud, ‘Surprise!?
The Clarkston High School math teacher was greeted by members of the Clarkston Foundation and Clarkston Community School Board who awarded her as Teacher of the Year.
Together the Clarkston Foundation and Suburban Ford of Waterford sponsor the Outstanding Classroom Teacher Recognition Program, which annually honors teachers who demonstrate the ability to create a love of learning in students of all abilities and backgrounds, and who possess a strong sense of values, integrity and professional ethics, among other important qualities.
After being surprised in the classroom, Fletcher walked the hallway to the applause of students and staff. She was given the rest of the day off from teaching and invited to Suburban Ford where she selected a car to drive free for one year. She was also awarded a year membership to Great Lakes Athletic Club.
‘I had no idea,? Fletcher said of the classroom surprise.
Assistant Principal Shawn Ryan had called Fletcher down to the main office to ask a question regarding the MEAP tests, she said. Still, she had no suspicions.
‘I so should’ve known he (Ryan) was making something up,? she laughed.
A graduate from Western Michigan University, Fletcher has been teaching four years at CHS.
‘I love it here and not because of this (award),? she said. ‘It’s wonderful place. I will never leave here. It’s so nice to come to a job every day you love.?
Principal Jan Meagher, who nominated Fletcher, said, ‘She is simply an exceptional teacher and leader.?
In her written nomination, Fletcher is noted by Meagher for her knowledge level of a wide array of mathematical concepts and her ability to demonstrate the mechanics of problem solving clearly to her students.
‘She is very well thought of in the math department,? Meagher said.
Fletcher is said to know how to keep her students motivated, clearly communicate her expectations of her students and has a positive rapport with students.
‘She’s a hands-on teacher,? Meagher added. ‘Kim has done an effective job of integrating varied approaches to meet her student’s different learning styles.?
Outside of the classroom, Fletcher is busy. She tutors before school, after school, during her seminar period and on Saturday mornings.
Twice a year she coordinates an all-school tutoring session that includes up to 30 teachers and 300 students. And she organizes student tutors for the elementary schools.
Fletcher is also the Saturday School administrator, for which she receives no extra compensation; co-sponsors the National Honor Society where she helps organize fundraisers, plans student activities with the Clarkston Area Youth Assistance, participates in elementary school fairs, and works after school hours with students on the Adopt-A-Highway program.
She also volunteered this year to coordinate the MEAP testing schedule for the junior class; is chairing subcommittee work and piloting a new textbook; presenting at state and national conferences where she shares her ideas for the betterment of the profession; and has taken a leadership role in SCAMP, a summer camp for special needs children and young adults.
‘As you can see, Kim seeks out opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of her colleagues and the student body at Clarkston High School,? Meagher said.
Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts said, ‘Kim is one of our young bright, caring professionals and represents our entire staff very well. I think what makes this award so special is, as a backdrop, the school is made up of many fine veteran teachers. The comparison is at a very high level. So we’re very proud of her.?
Of the reward, Fletcher said, ‘I was pretty sure I didn’t win. I still thought it was a most rewarding experience. Just to be nominated was so special to me.?
The Walled Lake resident said, ‘I don’t know all of the other teachers nominated, but I know some of the other teachers and I know they are phenomenal. To be in the same group as them is unbelievable.?
The other candidates for Teacher of the Year 2003 included Jeff Peariso, Jim Berman and John Matheus, all of Clarkston Middle School; and Gail Berman and Kelly Avenall, both of Sashabaw Middle School. They will all receive a classroom grant from the Clarkston Foundation and a complimentary weekend at Shanty Creek.
The Clarkston Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports, enhances and encourages both exposure to excellence and personal participation in arts and sciences for all students in the Clarkston area.