Rosie Castle, one of the STEM teachers here at Duncan Middle School, has won Teacher of the Year for the middle school. Castle says that she was very surprised and it is the first time that she has won teacher of the year.
This is Castle’s 24th year teaching. She said, “The only other time I won a Teacher of the Year was a Walmart Teacher of the Year. I won $1,000 to spend on my classroom.” She went on to say, “I used the money to buy a projector for my classroom back when projectors were not widely used in classrooms.” This is her fifth year teaching at Duncan Middle School. She previously taught in Oklahoma City and Rochester, New York.
Castle said that she was excited to win Teacher of the Year. She says, “To me, Teacher of the Year means that my colleagues recognize the value and importance I play on being the best teacher I can be for my students.” She feels that teacher of the year is an honor to be recognized by her colleagues here at Duncan Middle School and that she appreciates the opportunity to represent DMS.
Renea Lawler, Castle’s teaching partner, says that she is excited. They have taught together for five years here at DMS. She said, “Teaching with Mrs.Castle is perfect. She is my best friend, she helps me problem-solve and is a great sounding board whenever she wants to try new things.” Lawler says that she is proud she knows Castle and proud that she earned it. Lawler says that she hopes Castle wins district teacher of the year.
Castle says that each one of her classes congratulated her on her achievement. She says that they seemed excited for her. She also says that one of Lawler’s sixth-grade classes clapped every single time she entered the room.
