By Susan Bromley

Staff Writer

Brandon Twp.- Students just beginning to learn to read and those who are well into their academic careers and conducting science experiments are among the beneficiaries of the district’s two teachers of the year.

Rachel Barry, a kindergarten teacher at Oakwood has been named the Elementary Teacher of the Year in the district, while Jeb Laux, who instructs Brandon Middle School students in math and science, takes the honor for Secondary Teacher of the Year.

The educators were surprised by Superintendent Matt Outlaw with the announcement in their respective classrooms on Jan. 26.

“They told me during playtime and for the kids to stop playing, it was a really big deal,” laughs Barry. “They were cheering and it was adorable and something I will remember forever. I really appreciate this and was shocked. It is an honor, something to be very grateful for and it makes me even more motivated.”

Barry began her career in the district eight years ago by teaching third graders and then fourth graders at Oakwood Elementary. Four years ago, she accepted an opportunity to teach kindergarten, her dream as an educator— to be at the start of a child’s journey to learning.

“I love that (kindergarten) encompasses so much, not only academic growth, but social and emotional growth,”she said. “This is their first experience with school and I want them to get off to the best start possible. We have a blast– every day is so much fun and so different. This is their first experience being taught how to read, write, and about math concepts. It is amazing the growth you see in one year. They are so inquisitive and want to learn so much about the world around them and each other.”

Oakwood Elementary Principal Coy Stewart, who was part of the hiring team that brought Barry to Brandon, said the moment she met Barry, she knew she was special.

“She is just one of the hardest working teachers you will ever meet,” said Stewart. “She is so invested in her students and families. She works with her colleagues very well, opens her classroom to talk about practices, and get tips and pointers from others. With kindergarteners, you want to set a foundation for them to like school, and there is never a doubt when you walk into her room that these kindergarteners love school… She’s the full package and a keeper.”

Over at Brandon Middle School, Mike Tucker has been principal only a few months, but already knows Jeb Laux, who has taught science and math at the school for 17 years, is also special.

He notes all the things that Laux does that so often go unnoticed— talking to students about their personal lives, participating in spirit days, talking to them at lunch, checking in at the office to see how he can help, and organizing the Cedar Point trip. Laux is also the Quiz Bowl sponsor and coaches seventh grade football, as well as seventh and eighth grade track, and is one of three teachers who were chosen to pilot Chromebooks at BMS.

“He does an amazing job,” said Tucker. “He engages students everyday with hands-on activities, lectures, discussions, and projects. He is genuinely excited about the projects and things they do in his class, you can see the passion and excitement he has for teaching.”

Tessa and Reese Scholz, 12-year-old twins and seventh grade students of Laux, were happy their teacher received the honor.

“He deserves it because he’s a really good teacher,” said Tessa. “He’s really nice and encourages us and doesn’t just throw the work at us. We do a lot of labs with cells and different activities and races.”

Reese adds, “He is really funny, but serious at the same time. He makes everything fun.”

While the girls were not surprised with Laux receiving the honor, “Teacher of the Year” was something he never expected.

“It’s a great honor, especially to be chosen out of all the great teachers here, I never dreamed it would be me…I like hanging out with the kids everyday, they keep you young. We have our challenges, but overall they are a lot of fun… I see them and listen to them, I respect them, and treat them how I want to be treated. They enjoy being here, and I enjoy being here with them… Every day is different, every kid is different and every year is different. The most exciting part is just the relationship you build with the kids, you get to see them grow up. Teaching science is my favorite, there are all kinds of phenomena and they have to figure it out, with lots of puzzles.”

Laux and Barry were chosen as teachers of the year in the district by selection committees comprised of administrators and past winners of the award. Nominations for the honor come from parents, students, and peers of the teacher.

“We have so many great educators and these are two great representatives of our teaching staff,” said Outlaw, chairperson of the selection committee. “Both of them are incredibly dedicated and go above and beyond for the kids everyday.”

Barry and Laux will now be considered for the 2016-17 Oakland County Teacher of the Year in their respective divisions. The contest is sponsored by Oakland Schools and the Oakland Schools Education Foundation.