The Atlantic Rotary Club, today (Wednesday) announced the winner of the 2017 Outstanding Teacher Award. This was the fourth year for the event, that took place in the commons area of the Atlantic High School, as part of the all teacher meeting. This year’s winner was Lisa Munsey, Middle School/8th Grade Math Teacher.

The forms and essays submitted for her nomination, came from peers, colleagues, students and parents of students. The Rotary’s Jennifer Plumb read from one of the nomination forms submitted by a colleagues, who wrote of Munsey in part, her “Passion for reaching all students shows each and every day. [Her] high expectations and growth mindset reminds students that the best of learning happens from trying their best, and making mistakes is part of the process.” And that her “Students over the year have shown tremendous growth on their Iowa Assessment tests. This is due to [Munsey] never giving a child an ‘escape route,’ where math is concerned. [She] will go to great lengths in order to make sure that each and every student stays caught up with their school work.”

Munsey thanked the Rotary for the “tremendous honor.” She found out she may have been nominated while on a track bus full of 50 Middle School girls heading to Denison. She said she is very appreciative of those who took the time to honor her for what she loves doing. As the “Teacher of the Year” award winner, Lisa Munsey receives a $3,000 cash prize, to further enhance her educational resources, further her education or any other purpose she deems appropriate. Last year’s winner was Jodie Hogue, Kindergarten/Multi-age class instructor. She donated much of her cash award back to the community for programs that help kids, such as the YMCA, the Atlantic Police Fund for kids camping and other activities. She also purchased items for her classroom.

Also honored at during the awards ceremony, were retirees and other staff, including: Peggy Jacobs/Washington Elementary School retiree; Linda Joyce/Atlantic Middle School Retiree; Kathy Blazek/AHS retiree; and Maintenance retirees Duane Baxter along with Paul Dreager.