Media Contact: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications, 248.260.8466, barbara@eafocus.com; Julie Kelly, Avondale School District, 248.537.6002, julie.kelly@avondale.k12.mi.us
Auburn Hills, Mich. —March 31, 2015—- Avondale School District, an achievement-oriented learning community focused on student leadership and success in academics, the arts and athletics, announces Shavonne “Shevy” Jacobson was named a 2014-2015 Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year.
Sponsored by Oakland Schools and the Oakland Schools Education Foundation, the Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year award is presented annually to honor and reward teachers in Oakland County who have achieved, through their effort and example, the highest standards of excellence in their profession. The award is presented to an elementary, middle school and high school teacher within Oakland County. Ms. Jacobson is a special education and reading intervention teacher for students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade at Avondale Middle School.
Ms. Jacobson was notified of the surprise announcement in her Avondale Middle School classroom today (Tuesday, March 31) when the award was presented by members of the Oakland County Intermediate School District. Also in attendance were members of the Avondale Board of Education, Dr. James Schwarz, superintendent of Avondale School District, Todd Robinson, principal of Avondale Middle School, David Goetz, assistant principal of Avondale Middle School and several members of Ms. Jacobson’s family.
“Shevy has an unmatched passion and drive for educating students,” Dr. Schwarz said. “She motivates and inspires students and colleagues alike both in the classroom and beyond. We are lucky to have her as part of the Avondale Community and congratulate her on receiving the Outstanding Teacher of the Year award. She has earned the title.”
Nominees for the Outstanding Teacher of the Year award are submitted by school districts within Oakland County. To be considered for the award, nominees must have a minimum of five full years of classroom teaching experience; display leadership both in the classroom and outside the classroom, including but not limited to, actively engaging students, meeting individual needs of students, demonstrating thorough knowledge of subject areas, showing an ability to relate to parents and colleagues, and demonstrating citizenship and leadership in the school community. Supporting testimonials from a former student, a parent and a colleague are also required.
Ms. Jacobson will be joined by her fellow honorees from an Oakland County elementary school and high school on Thursday, May 7 at a special event where each recipient will be presented an award and $2,000 cash prize. To learn more about the Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year award, click here.
About Avondale School District
Avondale School District is a collaborative community of teachers, staff and families working together to assure student success. The district, encompassing portions of Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Township, Troy and Rochester Hills, celebrates the richness of a diverse student population and strives to be a model school community that prepares students to be lifelong learners and contributing citizens to the world that awaits them upon graduation. Learn more about Avondale Schools, an AdvancED accredited district, at www.avondale.k12.mi.us.
