BP recognizes 7 local Teachers of Excellence

ANCHORAGE — The 2012 BP Teachers of Excellence program has selected seven Mat-Su Borough School District teachers to be honored at its 17th annual BP Teachers of Excellence awards dinner, 6 p.m., May 1 at Settlers Bay Lodge.

Mat-Su BP Teachers of Excellence are Chris Bell, Colony High School; Michelle Booth, Academy Charter School; Tammy Bunker, Cottonwood Creek Elementary School; Katherine Cappa, Shaw Elementary School; Gary Howell, Wasilla High School; Molly Walker, Machetanz Elementary School; and Tracy Magnan, Wasilla High School.

The BP Teachers of Excellence program recognizes teachers from throughout Alaska for their dedication to teaching and for inspiring students. The program expanded this year and opened to all Alaska school districts. More than 1,400 nominations were received statewide.

Each BP Teacher of Excellence receives a $500 gift card and an award certificate. In addition, the teacher’s school receives a matching $500 award. One Mat-Su teacher will be chosen as BP’s Teacher of the Year. That teacher will receive a $1,500 scholarship for continuing education and a bronze sculpture created by Alaska artist Mary Regat.

“BP is proud to recognize these Alaska educators, who invest their time and talents in their students,” said Phil Cochrane, vice president of external affairs for BP Exploration (Alaska). “These are the teachers who will make a lasting impact on the next generation of Alaskans and make our community a better place live and raise our families.”

Read this story online at Frontiersman.com/Schools for bios of the seven Mat-Su teachers.

Chris Bell teaches science and AP environmental science at Colony High School. He serves as the senior class advisor, an advisor of the partners club and the Boys and Girls peer club. The partners club is a branch of the Special Olympics. With 90 student members it works to bridge the gap between special needs students and other students.

Michelle Booth teaches second grade at Academy Charter School. She believes in sharing her students’ accomplishments as a way to motivate everyone. When a student advances a level in reading, her entire second-grade class celebrates. Her class also completes a community service project each year with the Alzheimer’s disease Resource Agency.

Tammy Bunker teaches kindergarten at Cottonwood Creek Elementary. She believes children learn to achieve their full potential when they are taught with respect and high expectations. She believes once students experience success, they begin to believe in themselves and are more motivated to learn. Bunker has 25 years of teaching experience and serves a mentor to new teachers.

Katherine Cappa teaches deaf and hard of hearing prekindergarten and elementary students at Shaw Elementary. Many of her students enter school without any spoken or sign language skills. Cappa believes these students have an excitement and an eagerness to learn. She shares with her students the gift of American Sign Language and the skills to communicate as members of the class. She also teaches a sign language club for siblings and classmates of deaf students to offer better communication skills for all involved.

Gary Howell teaches English and language arts at Wasilla High School. He uses humor and personal anecdotes to dissolve any discomfort and reservations his students might have. A life-long Alaskan, he believes that by encouraging students to follow their dreams, they will succeed. Howell is also a successful cross-country, track and field coach. He was recognized as regional coach of the year four times in his 9-year career.

Molly Walker teaches a combined kindergarten and first grade class at Machetanz Elementary School. She believes it is important to build a partnership between home and school. This encourages each student to set goals and building confidence. She uses newsletters and emails to keep parents informed of classroom activities and achievements.

Tracy Magnan teaches English at Wasilla High School. She communicates to her students that lessons learned in the classroom have value and will be useful in all aspects of life. She also serves as the yearbook advisor, and leads field trips to performances of the Valley Performing Arts. Magnan believes her students learn from community interaction and organizes a student team for the annual multiple sclerosis walk.