Brandon Twp.-H.T. Burt Elementary third grade teacher Andrew Phillips? mantra is simple yet effective.
Have fun.
Phillips was named Brandon Teacher of the Year and was recognized at the school board at meeting Monday night. Clad in Michigan State University green and white garb, about a dozen of Phillips? students join family members to show their support for the 28-year-old third grade teacher.
Phillips will now represent the Brandon School District and compete for Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award.
‘As an intern, my college professor asked me to express my philosophy of teaching,? said Phillips. So I explained how a teacher is like a team coach’teaching how to practice and play the game, but also a good coach lets players have fun too.?
‘The professor said she would be leery of putting the word ‘fun,? in a resume. ‘What would an employer think about that?? she told me. ‘But it’s a huge part of my what my classroom,? I replied. ‘It fits me. It’s my personality.??
The Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year awards are presented annually to honor and reward teachers in the Oakland County area who have achieved, through their effort and example, the highest standards of excellence in their profession.
The award recognizes an elementary, middle/junior high, and high school teacher from Oakland County. A total of three teachers will be selected to receive the Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award that includes cash prize and a recognition event of May 10.
‘At recess I love to go outside and encourage kids to play catch. I can’t get enough, when the weather gets nice.
From playing games at recess to using sporting events to learn math to creating a community within the classroom, Phillips gained the top teacher spot.
Phillips, earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Elementary Education in 2001 from Michigan State University and is currently completing a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, kindergarden-12th grade also from MSU.
Phillips? teaching career in the district began at Belle Ann Elementary School as a fourth grade teacher in 2001. In 2004 he moved to H.T. Burt Elementary as a fourth grade teacher and now teaches third grade.
While a teacher in the Brandon district, Phillips organized Hurricane Katrina Penny Drive, organized paper recycling drive, served as a building representative for the Brandon Education Association, is a member of H.T. Burt Elementary Teacher Book Study group and assists in the NCA process.
Danelle Gittus, public relations specialist for Oakland County schools who coordinates the outstanding teacher award programs says it’s a difficult contest.
‘It’s a tough competition,? said Gittus. But we honor all the nominees at the event win or lose.?
Gittus says that 61 Oakland County teachers, from 24 of 28 districts will be vying for the title of outstanding teacher of the year award.
‘The competition has been going on for 19 years but I don’t recall if anyone from the Brandon District has ever won.?
The selection committee is comprised of the three winners from last year, members of the Oakland Schools, Parent Teachers Association representative, Oakland County school board member, a judge from Oakland County, Henry Ford from the Detroit newspapers, and a community advocate.