Three educators who go above and beyond the call of duty everyday when the bell rings have been named Teachers of the Year for Oxford Community Schools.
At the elementary-school level, Leonard Elementary School reading specialist Michelle Mumbrue received teacher of the year honors. For Oxford Middle School, math and algebra teacher Kristin McDonough received the honor and for Oxford High School, it was language arts teacher Marsha Chapman.
The teachers, who will be honored at an upcoming school board meeting, will now move on to Oakland County and vie for Teacher of the Year honors there.
Mumbrue has served at Leonard for six years as a reading specialist and five years before that as a special education teacher at Oxford Elementary School.
‘It’s a great honor to represent Oxford, and I was very surprised,? she said. ‘I’m dedicated to students in the language arts field and I want all my students to be successful readers and writers.?
Mumbrue, who’s taught at Oxford Schools since 1998, has a Master of Arts degree in Reading and Language Arts from Oakland University.
McDonough described herself as ‘very touched? by the honor.
‘I work with great teachers, and it’s nice to be recognized for working very hard,? she said. ‘This means that I’m doing the job I love very successfully, and that students, teachers and my administrators also believe that.?
McDonough added: ‘I’m very student focused when it comes to learning and try my best to connect with students at both academic and non-academic levels.?
McDonough, who has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Michigan, is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Education from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. She joined Oxford Schools in 2002.
Chapman described her reaction to the award in one word: gratitude. ‘I’m deeply appreciative of the kind words of those who supported my nomination,? she said. ‘It means the world to me that I have connected with students in a way that supports their learning.?
Chapman, who’s taught at OHS since 1977, believes it’s important to always provide a friendly, supportive environment where kids can learn and where the students will have an investment. ‘I love teaching at OHS,? she added. ‘It’s my life’s work, and after more than three decades I can still say that.?
Chapman holds degrees from both the University of Michigan and from Rutgers University, including a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Michigan.