BP names Mat-Su ‘Teacher of the Year,’ celebrates ‘Teachers of Excellence’

SETTLER’S BAY — Dozens of Mat-Su educators gathered together for fellowship, fine dining and even cupcake mining at Settler’s Bay Lodge on Thursday evening to celebrate BP’s “Teachers of Excellence” awards.

Over the last several months, students, parents and school staff members had the opportunity to nominate a teacher they thought worthy of the title. Last month, five finalists were selected for the 2015-16 school year: Emily Forstner, an English teacher at Wasilla High School; Paula Hamand, a special education teacher at Meadow Lake Elementary; John Notestine, an English and digital media teacher at Wasilla High; Penny Schram-Browner, a culinary arts and child studies teacher at Palmer High; and Kristopher Wagoner, a business teacher at Houston High.

“These are teachers who have inspired, challenged and motivated our most precious natural resource,” said BP Regional Director JP Connelly in his opening remarks at the event.

Connelly’s statements included a nod to the former Teachers of Excellence and Teachers of the Year — which are drawn from the Teachers of Excellence — from the last two decades, many of whom were in attendance.

But before this year’s yellow-corsage-wearing Teachers of Excellence were formally introduced, Connelly gave the floor to Beki Kelly with Alaska Resource Education, who turned attendees’ attention to some rather picturesque cupcakes displayed on each table. Kelly then gave the teachers a taste of their own methods, instructing everyone on how to “drill” for “oil” in their cupcakes, avoiding sugary lakes and trees.

As participants enjoyed the fruits of their labor, Connelly and Mat-Su Borough Superintendent Dr. Deena Paramo took turns talking about each Teacher of the Year candidate, beginning with Forstner.

Emily Forstner

A 35-year teacher who’s taught in Alaska for 33, Forstner currently manages the “Warrior Word” student newspaper at Wasilla High, in addition to teaching English. In the summer she spends her time biking, hiking and running around the Mat-Su Valley.

Paramo said Forstner has become known, like other Teachers of Excellence, for supporting her students inside and out of the classroom.

“She’s often seen attending piano recitals or researching books that may spark the interest of a student,” Paramo said. “She supports nearly every function or fundraiser and opens her classroom to students — many of whom aren’t even in her classes.”

Paula Hamand

Hamand has taught in Alaska for 17 years. She said she had planned to be a regular classroom elementary school teacher, but after obtaining a master’s degree in learning disabilities realized she preferred to work with students in a more personal and specialized setting.

Hamand’s compassion and patience, Connelly said, are key to her success and that of her students.

“She finds a way to connect with her students and get their best. In her classroom, children learn they can complete school assignments, conquer emotions and navigate complex, often frightening social situations,” Connelly said.

John Notestine

Commuting to work by bike, Notestine has spent nine of his 10 years teaching in Alaska. Over the past three years he has worked with Forstner to develop the media program at Wasilla High, focusing on the digital aspect through audio and visual communications by working on things like public broadcasts.

“This type of real-world experience is invaluable. John is building a solid work ethic in his students that has been noticed by the community,” Paramo said.

Penny Schram-Browner

Originally from Alabama, Schram-Browner has taught in Alaska for six of her 10 years as a teacher. She runs the ProStart culinary program at Palmer High, giving students the opportunity to participate in state and potentially national cooking competitions every year. In addition to bringing in restaurant chefs to lead demonstrations, Schram-Browner also invites local families with young children — “Mini Moose,” she calls them — to her class to offer students firsthand knowledge about child development and also learn from the students.

“(She) has made it her life’s mission for students to love school and want to be there. … She has turned a classroom into a home where students and others feel safe, loved and cared for,” Connelly said.

Kristopher Wagoner

Wagoner, also known as “Wags,” has taught in Alaska for seven years. He is an avid fisherman who frequents the Russian River and volunteers his time and expertise to wounded veterans through “Battle Dawgs,” a nonprofit founded by Iditarod musher Rick Casillo.

He is the advisor for Houston High’s Business Professionals of America (BPA), student government and yearbook organizations, and is often heard over the loud speaker at Houston hockey and football games.

“The thing to take away from this long list of activities is that Mr. Wagoner cares deeply about his community and his school, and he’s willing to give his time to make them better,” Paramo said.

Teacher of the Year

After some final announcements and a drum roll (or two), Connelly finally announced the BP Mat-Su Teacher of the Year: Kris Wagoner.

Wagoner blushed as he rose to receive his award, congratulated by his wife, Shelby, his parents David (Marketing Director for “Battle Dawgs”) and Sonya Wagoner, and his many colleagues.

Though his students have often talked about nominating him for the award over the years and he was glad to be named “Teacher of the Year” in 2016, Wagoner said that’s not what teaching is about.

“It’s about making a difference in kids lives, and ultimately in society,” he said.

Wagoner thanked his high school business teacher, Matt Sugita, and his parents — both Air Force veterans who were deployed during Operation Desert Storm — for instilling in him a good work ethic and showing him that, “without sacrifice, excellence means nothing.”

Each of the 32 BP Teachers of Excellence named around the state this year will receive a $500 gift care and $500 for his or her school. Teachers of the Year from Mat-Su, Anchorage, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula and one from outlying districts will also receive $1,500 for continuing education.

Last year’s Mat-Su BP Teacher of the Year was Blake Livingston, now an English teacher at Mat-Su Career and Technical High School.

Contact reporter Caitlin Skvorc at 352-2266 or caitlin.skvorc@frontiersman.com.