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Teacher of the Year honored in Gov. Markell's weekly address

Katie Peikes
/
Delaware Public Media

Gov. Jack Markell (D) is stressing the necessity of a good teacher in a child’s life as he celebrates the crowning of a new Teacher of the Year in his weekly message.

Wendy Turner, a second grade teacher at Mount Pleasant Elementary School, took top honors earlier this week.

 

Turner began teaching after a 17-year career in business, wanting to give back more to her community, eventually earning her degree through night classes.

 

“She strives to teach practical lessons and make learning relevant to everyday life. Wendy says she instructs her students through a real world lens, seeking opportunities to connect classroom work to life outside of school,” Markell said.

 

He says Delaware needs to recognize and appreciate the work teachers do, pointing toward efforts to boost their pay and foster professional development.

 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctosFJfzsF4&feature=youtu.be
 

Below is the full transcript of the governor's weekly message:
 
We know that a major factor in student achievement is an excellent teacher, and we can’t overstate the important role our educators play in shaping our children’s future.

That’s why we’re supporting them in more ways through professional learning communities in schools, new teacher leadership roles, and compensation for professional development and national certification. 

Delaware has many outstanding educators, and this week I was honored to announce that our 2017 Delaware Teacher of the Year is Wendy Turner, a second grade teacher at Mount Pleasant Elementary in the Brandywine School District. 

Wendy was one of twenty nominees from school districts and the charter school network, and together these exceptional men and women represent thousands of dedicated and passionate teachers across our state who are helping our children learn and prepare for success. 

For Wendy, teaching was a second career, a way to make a lasting impact and find fulfillment.  After a 17-year career in the business world, she went back to school at night to earn her education degree while raising her family and continuing to work full-time.

Wendy’s first career influenced her purpose as an educator.  She strives to teach practical lessons and make learning relevant to everyday life. Wendy says she instructs her students through “a real-world lens,” seeking opportunities to connect classroom work to life outside of school. 

Like so many of her peers, education for Wendy is also about teaching the “whole child”, and from the first day of school, her students learn the importance of respect and empathy and perseverance. 

I want to thank Wendy, and all of our educators who work so hard to provide our children with the knowledge and skills and opportunity to meet their full potential in life.  We appreciate all they do to keep Delaware moving forward.