Heigele named area teacher of the month
Friday, Jan. 5, 2007
Second grade teacher Courtney Heigele is known for a lot of things: her students' annual Christmastime play, a math activity she designed called "Touchdown Tuesday," her classes' ability to communicate only by sign language in the hall. And then there's the obvious: her boundless energy and quick sense of humor.
So when Sunflower Bank looked for an area teacher to receive the Sunflower Award for the month of December, Heigele was a perfect fit. She received the award at a surprise all-school assembly Friday after being nominated by the parent of a former student.
"As a student, you will always have that one special teacher that will forever be etched in your mind," the parent wrote. "I would've never imagined that a teacher would have the same effect on me now that I'm a parent. Mrs. Courtney Heigele is truly one of the most amazing, intelligent, giving teachers I've ever encountered."
Each month throughout the school year, Sunflower Bank gives the award to a Lawrence area teacher, which includes a checking account with $200 and a chance to win the teacher of the year title —and all the accompanying spoils — at the end of the year. Teachers are nominated by parents, students, and members of the community.
Jim Lauer, principal at Nottingham Elementary where Heigele teaches, said the award is well deserved.
"Mrs. Heigele is an outstanding teacher," he said. "She earns the respect of her students, her students' families, and of course, her fellow teachers. Her great ability to communicate with people of all ages and engage them in the educational process makes her a tremendous asset to our school and district."
