Educators Receive Awards

Cindy Eagle, left, a paraprofessional at Central Schools, was honored recently for her work with special education students by the Kodey Toney, director of the Pervasive Parenting Center.

The Pervasive Parenting Center (PPC) recently awarded their 2017 Teacher of the Year and

Paraprofessional of the Year awards to local educators, including a paraprofessional from Central School.

Kodey Toney, PPC director, said recipients were chosen for their hard work and dedication in working with children, especially those with disabilities.

Tanya Gould, a special education teacher at Poteau Schools, was chosen as Teacher of the Year.

According to her peers, Gould has spent her entire career as the multi-disability teacher at Poteau.

She is dedicated to her students and goes above and beyond to meet their needs. In addition to the

in-class students, Gould also provides instruction to two homebound students.

Sarah Reed, a teacher at Spiro School, was chosen as Teacher of the Year as well. Her co-workers said that Reed works with students in grades 4th through 6th with a variety of disabilities. She helps

the students with education, socialization and self-help skills. She holds certification in several

areas of special education, and is described as dedicated, enthusiastic, professional and caring. She

is innovative in the classroom, infusing the different disabilities and learning styles with

tremendous motivation and instilling the joy of learning within her students.

Three paraprofessionals were recognized as Paraprofessional of the Year.

Cindy Eagle, a paraprofessional at Central Schools, was honored. She has been an employee of Central Schools for eight years. She is described as going above and beyond to assist her students including extracurricular activities like field trips and evening band concerts.

“She is a very valuable member of our school staff,” said Valarie Rhodes, special education director. “She is always positive and upbeat with all of our students and staff.”

Sugar Maris-McCarter, a paraprofessional at Poteau Schools, is described as being dedicated while

working with students in the alternate curriculum and extensively modifying work to help them be

successful in their general education classroom. She pushes students to reach their fullest potential,

and works well with classroom teachers.

Darla Miller, a paraprofessional at Spiro Schools, has worked as a paraprofessional for more than 26 years. She is considered a positive role model for her students, and works with the students in all aspects of their education to promote appropriate social skills. She demonstrates strong leadership skills, is knowledgeable in her field, and works well with other staff members.

“Educators are one of our children’s greatest resources,” Toney said. “The board members and I work hard to make sure that they know how important they are and that they are appreciated. This is a small way of recognizing them for their dedication to helping children with special needs.”

In addition to a certificate, the educators were given $50 worth of prizes.

For information about the PPC contact Kodey Toney at 918-647-1255 or ktoney@pervasiveparentingcenter.org.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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