Each honoree is selected by their district administration based on each teacher’s belief that all students can and want to learn, their desire to make a significant difference in students’ lives, their commitment to professional development, and for their outstanding classroom skills and leadership. Read about this year's recipients below.
C-TEC of Licking County
Keri Vradenburg, LPN Instructor
Selected by administration because:
- She demonstrates exceptional dedication and innovation in her role
- She has played a pivotal role in initiating an LPN program at C-TEC through her collaboration with Central Ohio Technical College (COTC).
- She audits many of the courses she’ll be teaching, attending them in her free time, to ensure she’s prepared to deliver high-quality education to her students.
- Her dedication to professional growth is evident as she continues to sharpen her skills by working at a local long-term care facility and in the emergency room at Licking Memorial Hospital.
- Additionally, she serves as a HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) state board member and local advisor, providing guidance and mentorship to future healthcare professionals.
Granville Exempted Village Schools
Jim Reding
Granville High School, AP Environmental Science, Environmental Science and Biology
Selected by administration because:
- He is dedicated and committed to the betterment of all his students, showing tireless work ethic, visionary leadership, and dedication to professional development
- He has created a nurturing and inclusive environment, helping students feel valued and empowered
- He has created impactful, take-action projects that provide hands-on learning and promote sustainability and environmental stewardship among students
- As a department head, he has demonstrated a willingness to share his knowledge and expertise with colleagues
- His leadership has extended beyond the classroom, frequently serving as a guest speaker at conferences, contributing to the professional development of educators both within and outside Granville High School
- His collaborative spirit and commitment to lifelong learning inspires his peers to strive for excellence in their own teaching practices.
Heath City Schools
Cassie Zimmer
Garfield Elementary, second grade teacher
Selected by administration because:
- She is a passionate and enthusiastic member of the Garfield teaching staff
- She has a love for learning and a drive to help students learn regardless of the obstacles they may face
- Several students have said that she has helped them develop a love for school that they didn’t previously have
- Second grade can be a difficult grade for many kids, but she is always there to help them ease their anxieties and make the most of the opportunities they have in school
- She is a dedicated member of the community and is always working to help her colleagues
- Students are grateful that she provides a basis to help them be successful in later grades.
Johnstown-Monroe School District
Laurie Clark
Johnstown Intermediate School, fourth grade reading
Selected by administration because:
- She always puts her students first.
- She works tirelessly to ensure that she makes her lessons engaging and fun.
- She is known for her positive, bubbly personality.
- She leads the Sunshine Committee and always does things to support the staff and make Johnstown Intermediate School a great place to work.
- Her co-workers always know she will find the best of any situation and will always do whatever she can to help anyone.
Lakewood Local Schools
Brittany Baker
Lakewood High School, History and Psychology
Selected by administration because:
- She’s actively involved in many extracurricular activities at the high school
- She has a passion for teaching and making sure her students feel valued in all aspects of their high school experience.
- She has led the MTSS and PBIS team to a state silver award.
- She has been willing to take on roles such as Social Studies chair, junior class co-advisor, Student Council co-advisor, Quiz Bowl coach and Blue Crew leader – just to name a few.
Licking Heights Local Schools
Christina Sommerkamp
Lima Ridge Elementary, STEM teacher
Selected by administration because:
- In her first year as STEM teacher, she has brought an energy and passion that has ignited her school and helped get her students excited about these learning opportunities.
- She has been incorporating the STEM mindset into her classes for as long as some of the administration has known her.
- She has always provided non-traditional, hands-on learning experiences for her students.
- She has emerged as a leader in her building by helping teachers incorporate the STEM mindset across all the disciplines.
- She has created a library of resources and manipulatives that all teachers have access to.
Licking Regional Educational Services Center
Ashley Fouts
Utica High School, Intervention Specialist
Selected by administration because:
- She is dedicated to education, incorporating individualized teaching methods, and is committed to her students and their success.
- She has a remarkable ability to create a positive and inspiring learning environment, fostering not only academic achievement but also personal growth in her students.
- This year, her roles have shifted, allowing her to reach more students – and she has gracefully adapted to these changes
- She makes a concerted effort to communicate effectively with families, colleagues, administrators, and other providers to keep them informed
- She develops strong relationships with families, understanding that a supportive home environment is critical to a student’s success.
- She is a role model for her peers and an asset to her school community.
Licking Valley Local Schools
Andrea Morris
Licking Valley Intermediate School, fourth grade math and social studies
Selected by administration because:
- She has innovative teaching strategies and a dedication to student growth and a commitment to professional development.
- Her focus on game-based learning and hands-on activities that transform the classroom into an interactive and stimulating environment, significantly enhancing student understanding and retention
- She is dedicated to creating a classroom community characterized by kindness, respect, and mutual support.
- She fosters a positive learning atmosphere where students feel safe and willing to take risks, helping them grow – academically, socially and personally.
- This commitment to developing relationships with her students - beyond academics - strengthens the trust and respect they have for her, contributing to a supportive and engaging classroom.
- She has demonstrated a commitment to lifelong learning, ensuring that she can meet the diverse needs of her students and provide them with the highest quality education.
Newark City Schools
Kim O’Dell
Newark High School, AP English 11, Enriched English 12, English 10
Selected by administration because:
- Over the years, she has inspired countless students to achieve academic excellence, and her students not only excel but develop a genuine passion for literature and learning.
- Her ability to foster this enthusiasm is a hallmark to her teaching philosophy and one of the many reasons she is so beloved by her students.
- Beyond academics, her impact extends to the personal growth and success of her students, caring deeply about their well-being, both inside and outside the classroom – they know they have a steadfast advocate in her.
- Many students have shared how her guidance and encouragement helped them overcome challenges and build confidence in their abilities.
- She is equally respected by her colleagues, and is a mentor to newer teachers, offering wisdom and support that uplifts the entire school community.
- She instills a lifelong love of learning in her students, fostering a culture of respect and achievement, and serves as a shining example of what it means to be an outstanding educator.
North Fork Local Schools
Charles Rowley
Utica High School, Fitness and Weight Training
Selected by administration because:
- He creates a positive atmosphere for all students and modifies classes to allow students to feel successful.
- He connects students’ needs and wants to his class curriculum and makes changes where needed, such as multiple PE, fitness, and weight training classes
- He promotes a healthy lifestyle to students, showing them how to take ownership in their well-being.
- He collaborates with educators across the curriculum and always looks for ways to enhance the learning experience
- He’s a positive, and approachable teacher that leads by example, setting the tone for Utica students to be successful.
Northridge Local Schools
Cheryl Bower
Northridge Elementary School, Literacy Coach
Selected by administration because:
- She embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator and leader, and is dedicated to the success of every student in her school.
- She has a deep understanding of how children learn to read and write, and works tirelessly to create an environment where all learners feel valued, confident, and capable.
- She adapts instruction to meet the diverse needs of her students.
- She is exceptionally knowledgeable in literacy instruction, always staying informed about the latest research and best practices in the field.
- She is a master of data analysis, using student performance data to inform her coaching and teaching.... also helping teachers refine their instructional practices.
- She has built a tremendous literacy library that is well-curated and accessible to all staff.
- Her unwavering commitment to her students, colleagues, and the field of literacy education makes her an exemplary leader and a true champion of learning.
Southwest Licking Schools
Joan Connor
Watkins Intermediate School, fourth grade math teacher
Selected by administration because:
- Whether someone needs materials, innovative teaching ideas, or strategies to address challenging situations, she is the go-to person for her colleagues.
- She is always available and eager to support. Her natural leadership and warm presence draw people to her.
- Her heart of gold and passion for education shines through her teaching, sparking curiosity and excitement in her students.
- She is dynamic and inspiring, fostering and often igniting a lifelong love of learning in her students.
- She has partnered with numerous community organizations to bring engaging field trips and inspiring presenters into her students’ lives, expanding their learning experiences beyond the classroom.
- Her tireless efforts and remarkable impact make her a cornerstone of Watkins Intermediate School.
