JACKSON, Wyo. — Teton County School District (TCSD) #1 has named Molly Matthaei Teacher of the Year and Nealy Angell Staff of the Year.
Mattheai was nominated by her peers to represent the TCSD #1 teaching staff in the Wyoming Teacher of the Year program.
As stated in the Wyoming Department of Education guidelines, the Wyoming Teacher of the Year must “Inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn, have the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues, be poised, articulate and have the energy to withstand a busy schedule as a teacher of the year.” Additionally this teacher “Demonstrates high levels of academic achievement for their students.”
TCSD says that Matthaei embodies these traits and many others that make her a wonderful representative for TCSD #1. The selected Wyoming Teacher of the Year is then nominated for the U.S. Teacher of the Year.
As a culinary arts teacher, Matthaei provides her students with the knowledge, skills and attributes that will allow them to be desirable employees in a global economy and informed citizens in our community, state and beyond whether they continue on to college, military service or enter the workforce upon high school graduation, TCSD said.
TCSD recognized Matthaei as a figure who encourages all teachers to continuously reimagine and work toward the possibilities for their students and their courses.
While there is not a state or national level recognition for non-teaching, classified staff, TCSD recognizes all employees who work in service of educating students and deserve to be honored.
This year’s Staff of the Year, Nealy Angell, is an elementary Special Education Paraprofessional supporting students with special needs. The nomination letter submitted by a colleague stated, “She treats these students with a high level of respect, while still considering the academic needs of her students and attempting to get the best from each student every day.”
“I take pride in meeting students where they are and celebrate their successes and view struggles as opportunities to learn and grow from,” said Angell. “I learn as much from students as they learn from me.”
“We are honored to have professionals such as Nealy and Molly working [in our school district],” said TCSD.
