Berkley Teachers Among Those Honored by Oakland County

When math teacher Mary Austin first set out in her career, she thought she would teach at the elementary level. But she was placed in a sixth-grade math class and found she loved teaching at the middle school level.

The Huntington Woods resident was honored as one of 51 educators in Oakland County on Thursday in the 24th annual Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year Awards.

Also honored were Berkley teachers Paul Cierpial and Jim McKelvey, who teach high school and fifth grade, respectively.

Austin, who has been teaching at Norup in the since 1998, said she thinks her school has the best kids around. Austin is a wife and mother of four children and thinks her life is pretty ideal. Aside from the students in general, her favorite part about teaching is trying to get her students to love math the way she does.

Cierpial, a Ferndale resident, has been teaching within the Berkley School District for the past 19 years. After pursuing a law career for six years, he decided to switch gears and try his hand at teaching. The English teacher's classes include honors English, film studies and introduction to literary theory, among others. In class, Cierpial likes to see his students blossom as writers, and he shares his excitement for the written word with his students. Cierpial said being chosen as a nominee this year was very humbling and that he is honored.

Seventeen years ago, Berkley resident Jim McKelvey started on a teaching path to make a difference in children’s lives as teachers had done for him. Thirteen years ago, he began working in the Berkley School District, where he now teaches fifth grade at . He noted that he works with an incredible staff and was honored to be nominated. Aside from teaching, McKelvey coordinates Patengill’s Safety Squad program, is the treasurer of the Berkley Dads’ Club and coaches youth football and youth baseball.

Teachers representing 18 school districts throughout Oakland County were recognized as nominees for the award. Winners were announced at the end of March and were on hand Thursday evening to give insight into what receiving this prestigious award has meant to them.

The 2011 Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year Awards at the elementary, middle and high school levels went to Bobbie Blazo, Chris Walker and Amanda McCartney, respectively. All three were awarded $2,000.

Blazo, a Novi resident who teaches at Beechview Elementary School in Farmington Public Schools, noted during her speech that she tries to really show up in her classroom. According to Blazo, it is necessary for teachers to not just to show up and do their job, but to actively participate with their students and be there for both the small and big moments.

Walker earned the honor for his work as a math teacher at White Lake Middle School. Principal Paul Gmelin, who introduced Walker at Thursday's event, explained in sport terms that he is the MVP, all-star team captain and fan favorite at the school.

McCartney was honored for her work with autistic children at Walled Lake Central High School. “I teach for a very selfish reason — to learn from my students,” she said.

It was a sentiment many of the educators who were nominated for the award seemed to relate to.

The Walled Lake Central High School string quartet and choir performed for the audience before the nominees and winners were introduced.

After the nominated teachers received their certificates, the audience was treated to a video of the reactions of Blazo, Walker and McCartney as each learned he or she had won the top honors. The presentation, produced by Oakland Schools Technical Campus Southwest visual imaging students, included students' input about each of the three educators.

“When I judge, I look through the nomination forms for the ones that paint a picture,” said Shelley Rose, director of communication services at Oakland Schools, about judging the incoming nominations. “These teachers deserve every accolade and acknowledgement they receive.”

Each teacher honored was nominated by a colleague, parent or student. Only three teachers can be nominated for each participating district. A selection committee, which Rose serves on, then scores the nominees based on criteria including ability to engage students, school community involvement and knowledge of subjects taught, among others.

Following the ceremony, educators and guests enjoyed a strolling dinner in the atrium, sponsored by the Oakland Schools Education Foundation and Health Alliance Plan.

“It was really nice to hear some good news about education tonight,” said Johnny Borg, physical education teacher at Ferndale Elementary School who was nominated for the  Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award.