As Staff Appreciation Week continues, join us in taking time to congratulate numerous PPS teachers who were recently awarded for greatness!
Two of our own were recently awarded for their excellence in teaching at the Western Michigan University College of Education Award Ceremony.
Megan Gose (left) was selected as WMU’s 2024 Accomplished Teacher Award for demonstrating teaching excellence in innovative curriculum, course development and cross-disciplinary instruction.
Megan, a 1st grade teacher at Moorsbridge Elementary, has taken on more leadership roles and was part of the launch of PPS’s new English Language Arts curriculum.
“I’ve gotten to work with some of the most outstanding people that allow me to give MY best and THE best to my students,” she said. “None of the work that we do can be done alone, and for that I’m grateful. I have the best team – my teaching partner, my reading and engagement specialists, and a few coworkers from administration who I’m lucky enough to call friends.
“I love teaching, and it’s been an honor to be one of the faces of the first-rate work we’re doing at Portage Public Schools,” Megan said.
Amberly Elementary Kindergarten teacher Kyra Parker (right) received the Early Career Teacher Award, which is given to a teacher who has been in the profession 5 years or less, who displays an enthusiasm and passion for teaching, and who demonstrates teaching excellence in technology, innovative curriculum, creative teaching and cross-disciplinary instruction.
"It was an honor and a privilege to be nominated for the 2024 Early Career Teacher award by Professor Lori Farrer," Kyra said. "During my time at Western Michigan University , she made a large impact on my love for Early Childhood Education. She always believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.
"I am looking forward to paying it forward in the same love, compassion, and dedication to my current/future students. Receiving this award so early in my career has me excited for what’s to come! "
Two other PPS teachers were recognized this week at the Board of Education Meeting as recipients of the 2023-24 Excellence in Special Education PAC Award. Congratulations to Emallee Ormond from Portage Central High and Jennifer Rainier from Amberly Elementary.
The PPS community is made up by the best, brightest and most dedicated instructional and support staff. We are so lucky to call these teachers and many more part of the PPS team!