Pursuit of Excellence Awards Winners for February 2018
Congratulations to the following employees who are the January and February 2018 recipients of the Pursuit of Excellence Award for the Baldwin County School District.
Ms. Brandi Mason – January 2018 Paraprofessional at the Early Learning Center Nominated by Lori Smith, Director of the Early Learning Center
Ms. Brandi Mason not only offers support as a paraprofessional to students in the classroom at the Early Learning Center but she also ensures their safety to and from school in her duties as a bus operator. Her deep concern for the wellbeing of students is expressed in her Pursuit of Excellence nomination in which she is described as going above and beyond her duties as a bus operator to ensure that the youngest students in the school district are kept safe and are provided with the necessary resources for a safe and healthy environment, Ms. Mason, thank you for your example of excellence!
Ms. Salathiel Harris Teacher at Lakeview Academy
Nominated by Maria Thorne, co-worker at Lakeview Academy Ms. Salathiel Harris joined the Baldwin County School District team in July of 2016. Since becoming a member of the teaching team at Lakeview Academy, Ms. Harris is noted as being an “outstanding teacher” by her co-worker, Ms. Thorne. She is also described as having high expectations for herself and high expectations for her students. An example of these high expectations is evident in her classroom where she has her classroom rules, procedures, and expectations displayed in a way that Ms. Harris’s students know that these expectations not only apply to her classroom, but throughout the entire school. Ms. Harris is also commended for modeling professionalism, for demonstrating a team player attitude, and for being the kind of teacher that gives education a good name. Ms. Harris, thank you for modelling excellence!
Ms. Hannah Schoemann Teacher at Midway Hills Academy Nominated by Elisa Johnson, co-worker at Midway Hills Academy Ms. Hannah Schoemann is working in her first year with the Baldwin County School District. Although this is her first year at Midway Hills Academy, she is a veteran teacher with over 14 years of experience. In her first year with the district, Ms. Schoemann has made a positive impression on her colleague, Ms. Johnson, who describes Ms. Schoemann as being very organized, prompt and prepared. She also is commended for using collaborative teaching strategies to help students in her classroom as well as other students achieve success. Her super attitude is positive and makes her a great person to work with. Welcome to Baldwin County Ms. Schoemann, and thank you for being a shining example of excellence!
Ms. Shekita Shinholster
Long Term Substitute Teacher at Oak Hill Middle School Nominated by Alison Bass, co-worker at Oak Hill Middle School Ms. Shekita Shinholster has been working in a Long Term Substitute teaching position at Oak Hill Middle School since September of 2017. She is quoted as being “heaven sent”. She is described as having high expectations for her students and for letting those high expectations be known from day one. Ms. Shinholster is commended for conducting her classroom as if she were a veteran teacher. Some examples include her delivery of instruction and her classroom management skills. When accepting the long term assignment Ms. Shinholster wasted no time in setting the classroom up as an inviting, nurturing learning environment for students. In addition to her responsibilities in the classroom, Ms. Shinholster attends weekly content meetings, parent conferences and makes phone calls to parents when needed. Ms. Shinholster, thank you for your example of excellence!
Ms. Gina Whitaker
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Nominated by Dr. Gloria Wicker, Board Chair Ms. Gina Whitaker joined the Baldwin County School District team in July of 2017. Her background in the field of social services and education made for an easy transition into her position at Central Office. She “hit the ground running” from her first day in her position and has not slowed down one bit. She is noted as working tirelessly to get the office in tip top shape all while keeping the school board members “straight”. She goes out of her way to not only help the school board members, but she also helps her co-workers, parents, the retired educators, members of the community and anyone who expresses a need. She is very cooperative, a pleasure to work with and follows through on every task that she starts! Ms. Whitaker even arranges and give treats to the school board members to help make it through the sometimes long board meetings. She does this and more with kind words, encouraging notes, and a warm smile. Ms. Whitaker, thank you for a true example of excellence!
Pursuit of Excellence Award Program
The Baldwin County School District Pursuit of Excellence Award, an employee recognition program, is presented monthly to employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. A maximum of four employees are chosen monthly and recognized during the regular Baldwin County Board of Education Meeting.
Application Process
Any Baldwin County School District employee is eligible for nomination, so long as they have not previously received the award. Team or groups are not eligible for recognition. Nominations may be made by any BCSD employee, student, parent, or community member. Nominations are due by the third Tuesday of each month (employees will be recognized the following month). Nomination forms will be available online or at the BCSD office.