Read their nominations below.
Educator of the Year Nominee: Jessica Lymburner, Marr/Cook Elementary
Jessica Lymburner is an exceptional educator and leader and works as a special education teacher at the preschool. She works tirelessly to meet the diverse social/emotional and academic needs of her students in the Early Childhood setting. Jessica applies her skills to her teaching craft as she serves dual roles in the classroom as the general educator and the intervention specialist for students aged 3-5. Her organizational skills and creativity drive her daily instruction and lesson planning. Her passion for teaching is fueled by her love for her students and her dedication to preparing them for success in kindergarten and beyond.
Educator of the Year Nominee: Emily Strausbaugh, Spaulding Elementary
Emily Strausbaugh, a math intervention teacher at Spaulding Elementary, is being recognized with a Goshen Chamber of Commerce nomination for her exceptional work. Emily is currently teaching math intervention to 100 students and previously taught fourth grade math, science and social studies as well as first grade and reading intervention. She has taken a great deal of her personal time to focus on her own learning in order to support her students. She shows a strong commitment to her own learning, regularly reviewing data to identify student needs and connecting with other math teachers in the region. She is also a former grade level leader and currently serves as a member of the Spaulding Leadership Team, building PBIS coach, and PBIS committee member.
Educator of the Year Nominee: Kim Kelly, Goshen Middle School
Kim Kelly is being recognized as the Goshen Middle School nominee for her outstanding work as a 7th grade math teacher. Her teaching style is inclusive and engaging, and she takes the time to tailor her lessons to meet the individual needs of each student. Kelly is committed to promoting student involvement in the school community and serves as the student council advisor. As the math department chair, she is a valued member of the middle school's best practices staff team and creates short videos to help staff members better understand new technology. Kelly is always willing to offer extra help to both students and staff, and personalizes her teaching to support each student in reaching their full potential.
A special congratulations to this year's awardees.
Support Staff of the Year: Julie Reed, Reading Intervention
Julie Reed, the support staff of the year winner at the Goshen Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Dinner, has made a significant impact on the young learners of Goshen. For 16 years, Julie has played a vital role in the title reading intervention program, helping struggling students with a smile and a kind word. Her patience and dedication have made her beloved by the students, who have enjoyed working with her. Despite the program's changes, Julie always maintained a positive attitude and a passion for helping young warriors learn to read. As Mrs. Reed retires at the end of the school year, her legacy will continue to inspire and benefit the young readers she has impacted.
Educator of the Year: Gloria Settelmayer, Goshen High School
Gloria Settelmayer is being recognized as the Goshen High School nominee for her lifelong passion for teaching in her home community. Settelmayer's commitment to her students and community truly shines through in her efforts to connect them with innovative learning opportunities, including this year's highly successful creative writing boot camp at Clermont College. She is positive and brings that energy into the building each and every day. She gives her time to work with students whenever is needed, volunteers to do additional tasks, attends extra curricular activities to support students and works to build positive and meaningful relationships.She stays up-to-date on best teaching practices with a master's degree in curriculum and instruction, and is the ELA Department Chair, leading professional learning community dialogue.