( Photo - USD 475 Lacie Goodson )
Two prominent awards for USD 475 teachers have been announced. The Horizon Award is presented to a teacher that has completed their first year of teaching and has shown outstanding dedication to students. This year's recipient is Lacie Goodson, a 7th grade science teacher at Fort Riley Middle School.
Lacie credits her mother, a teacher for more than 20 years, as her inspiration for becoming a teacher. Lacie spent two years as a paraeducator, and then decided to acquire her teaching license and become a full-time teacher. Goodson has a Master's degree in Science, but plans to earn another Master's degree in Teaching. "I want to keep growing as a teacher, " she said.
Goodson's favorite part of teaching is seeing the reactions on her students' faces when they understand a concept. When asked what was the most surprising thing about being a teacher she replied, " I am always thinking about my students. I go home and find myself thinking about ways to help those students that are falling behind or having a hard time understanding the concepts. How can I teach this differently so that they can understand?"
( Photo USD 475 - Catherine Coughlin )
The Master Teacher Award is presented each year to a teacher that shows outstanding dedication to the students and the district, and has been a teacher for at least five years. The recipient selected by the district this year is Catherine Coughlin, the art teacher at Fort Riley Middle School.
Coughlin has been a teacher for seven years, and this is her fourth year as a teacher with USD 475. She also serves as the chair for the Junction City Education Association.
Catherine said her favorite part of being a teacher is seeing her students come alive. "I love helping them achieve beyond their own expectations."
Both award recipients will now move forward to be considered for statewide awards in both categories. They will submit applications for the Kansas Horizon Award and Kansas Master Teacher Award.
Awards for both teachers will be presented at the State of Education meeting that is scheduled on January 28th at Junction City Middle School.
