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CONGRATULATIONS — Tabitha Eutsler Springfield “Teacher of the Year” for 2015-2016

Published on Apr 21, 2015 by Evangel University News

A 2010 Evangel University graduate!

SPRINGFIELD, MO — Tabitha Eutsler, third grade teacher at Jeffries Elementary School, was named SPS 2015-2016 “Teacher of the Year” during the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools’ annual Teacher Appreciation Banquet, Monday, April 20.

Eutsler graduated from Evangel in 2010, with her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education.

“We are so proud of Tabitha,” said Dr. Colleen Hardy, chair of the Evangel University Department of Education.

“Her tenacious commitment to educating the whole child with love, humor and excellence is inspiring. She is a wonderful example of what we for wish for all of our teacher education graduates,” said Hardy.

Five finalists, selected from 68 nominations, were interviewed by the selection committee to determine the SPS 2015-2016 “Teacher of the Year.”

ONE MORE EVANGEL GRADUATE was among the other four finalists recognized during the event held at the Ramada Oasis:

• Daniel Gutierrez, vocal music teacher, Reed Academy — he is a 2009 Evangel University graduate, having earned a Bachelor of Music degree.

• Kevin Baker, social studies teacher, Pershing Middle School
• Angela Odom, math teacher, Kickapoo High School
• Gretchen Teague, communication arts teacher, Central High

Eutsler, employed by Springfield Public Schools since 2010, is a product of SPS having attended Jeffries Elementary School, Carver Middle School and Parkview High School and graduating in 2005. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in instructional mathematics K-8 at Drury University.

AN OUTSTANDING TEACHER!

Eutsler feels good teacher-student relationships are built in the classroom each day. She greets her students every morning spending a few moments with each one to make a personal connection.Recently several of her students chose her as the subject of their opinion essays.

Eutsler’s students described her saying, “she lets us have fun when learning,” “she comes to my hockey lessons just because she wants to but she doesn’t have to,” “she has the best attitude and cares about us,” and “she always has her class smiling.”

During Eutsler finalist interview, she describes Jeffries as a family stating, “I get to go to a place where my best friends are every day.”

Eutsler will go on to compete for “Teacher of the Year” at the state level.

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ADAPTED FROM: Springfield Public Schools press release

PHOTO: Evangel P.R. Dept. files