Boise State University honored teachers last week at an inaugural event called “A Celebration of Teaching – Mentors of the Year.” The event recognized two outstanding Blaine County School District teachers; Woodside Elementary teacher Karen Bliss and Wood River Middle School teacher Susan Feldhusen. Selected from over 50 school districts, 22 teachers from southwest Idaho were honored at the event. BSU celebrated teachers who guide, support and encourage fellow educators in their pursuit of effective teaching and professional growth.
Dr. Lonnie Barber, Superintendent of Blaine County School District said, “We are proud of Karen Bliss and Susan Feldhusen for being recognized as outstanding teachers and mentors in the state of Idaho. We all need to do more to recognize our outstanding teacher mentors. Karen and Sue are wonderful examples of just some of what our great teachers give back to the profession.”
Karen Bliss teaches Kindergarten at Woodside Elementary. She has taught for the Blaine County School District for over 20 years; she has been an educator for over 30 years. About Karen, one of her nominators wrote, “She mentored me in an unofficial capacity, ensuring that I felt welcomed as her partner and answering the 10,000 questions I had about kindergarten.” Another nominator wrote, “When a colleague or student is in need, she is the first to act, mobilizing support and gathering ideas for how to help.”
Susan Feldhusen teaches Special Education at Wood River Middle School. She has taught for the Blaine County School District for eight years; she began teaching over thirty years ago. About Susan, one of her nominators wrote, “To be a true teacher, one needs to be committed, patient and have the desire themselves to learn – Sue is a true teacher.”
“Excellent mentors are outstanding teachers,” said Diane Boothe, dean of the Boise State College of Education. “We aspire to recognize those teachers who are not only an inspiration in the classroom, but are also models of quality practices and inspirational leadership among their colleagues. These excellent mentors provide the spark that drives learning and innovation among students and teachers. They represent the best of our profession.”
“By bringing mentors together, we will highlight their quality teaching practices, mentoring skills, and abilities to build positive relationships and provide encouragement,” said Barbara Morgan, Distinguished Educator in Residence at Boise State University.
The awards program is a joint project of Boise State, the Idaho State Department of Education, Idaho Education Association, and Meridian School District. A distinguished panel of area educators and Boise State representatives selected 22 individual award recipients from among more than 50 public school districts in southwest Idaho.
Recipients learned about the awards from Barbara Morgan over the summer. They were honored at an event called, “A Celebration of Teaching” on Thursday, September 8. For more information, contact Heather Crocker, BCSD Director of Communications, at hcrocker@blaineschools.org or 578-5005.
At Boise State University’s Celebration of Teaching event. From Left to Right: Barbara Morgan (Distinguished Educator in Residence at BSU), Dr. Lonnie Barber (Superintendent), Susan Feldhusen (Wood River Middle School teacher and Mentor of the Year Award recipient), John Blackman (Assistant Superintendent), Karen Bliss (Woodside Elementary teacher and Mentor of the Year Award recipient), Fritz Peters (Wood River Middle School Principal), Deborah VanLaw (Woodside Elementary teacher, nominated Karen).
Here is my contact information: Patti
We are now taking deposits on our up-coming litter's of Silver and Charcoal Labrador puppies! These...
