See the nominees and cast your vote for September’s Timber Creek High School Teacher of the Month.
English
Jamie Bird – Jamie took a leap of faith, leaving years of teaching 4th grade to come to TCHS and teach 10th grade PAP. She has fit right in with our team. Her passion for her kids is evident the moment you walk into her room. She introduced flexible seating in her classroom, which the kids love, and spearheaded the donation drive for Katy Mayde Creek HS. Jamie is such an asset to our team and we are so happy to have her with us.
Science
Karen Bates-Scull has been amazing at melding content, hands-on opportunities and diversity for our wide range of learners for both Physics and AP Physics 1. She has amazing relationships with her students, giving them supportive, guided instruction, and being there for them on a personal level with encouragement and honest feedback as needed. She goes above and beyond in planning with both on- level and AP Physics 1 teams.
Math
John Besancon – PAP Geometry Teacher. John works hard in and out of the classroom. He sets a high standard in his classroom and because of how he rapports will all his students they rise to that standard.
Fine Arts
This month I nominate theater teacher, Lance Morse. Lance is new to TCHS and already making a big impact on students and colleagues. He can be seen spending long hours with students after school working with them on building projects and organizing tools and materials. As a colleague, Lance is easy to work with and willing to do whatever is needed to serve our students and staff. With just one week left until the start of school, Lance was given a cluttered upstairs storage area that he was to turn into his classroom. Rather than complain, he went to work cleaning and rearranging. The result is a cool, laid back area in which his kids can learn. We are so happy to have Lance join our theater department this year!
Social Studies
I would like to nominate Kristin Vosburgh for Teacher of the Month. Kristin joined our team this year and has been a wonderful addition. She has brought a positive attitude and depth of experience, which has strengthened our Social Studies Department. She is a vital part of our United States History EOC team, which prepares students for their end of course exam. It has been a joy to watch Kristin interact and engage with her students. She is always the first in the hall to greet them in the morning and models a level of professionalism that is to be admired. Kristin has also been quick to initiate and host department lunches to further develop relationships with her colleagues. It is teachers like Ms. Vosburgh that continue to help make TCHS a better place for both the students and staff.
Special Education
Renee Clark goes to great lengths to help her students, coworkers, and parents. She always volunteers to take more kids on her caseload, more classes on her schedule, and more of the general department work so that her teammates are not overloaded. She does it all with a smile on her face and plenty of kind words for everyone involved. She is AWESOME! She helps her kids after school and accesses resources for her kids. Renee communicates daily with teachers about their mutual students and is such a benefit to these kids. She always goes above and beyond for both students and teachers.
CTE
The CTE department nominates Russell Fuqua for teacher of the month. Coach Fuqua is a great asset to our department and brings so much professionalism to the field of teaching and coaching. He has been the Head Coach of the Timber Creek Golf Team, both boys and girls since the school opened and has built a successful program over the course (pardon the pun) of 8 years. He is the campus’s original Project Lead The Way teacher, often times having visiting teachers or administrations observe his classes throughout the year. He is a friendly and positive co-worker who is willing to help out when asked.
World Languages
September’s Teacher of the Month should be AVID and German Teacher, Curtis Russell. Mr. Russell does a great job of teaching important AVID skills to students from all departments as well as enriching the World Language Department with solid German teaching. Mr. Russell goes above and beyond by travelling to Baylor with AVID and planning an amazing language exchange with German students. Through the exchange, German students will soon study at TCHS and meet the Falcons who will be studying in Germany next summer.
