Southeastern educator named Teacher of the Year

Last Updated on May 15, 2016 by cassnetwork

A fourth grade teacher at Galveston Elementary is the 2016-2017 Indiana Small and Rural School’s Association’s Rural Teacher of the Year last week. Brenda Bowman was honored last week at a surprise convocation.

“My principal, Barrett Bates, submitted my application,” Bowman said. “He kept the award a secret when he found out and surprised me at a convocation in front of the student body.”

Bowman says the association’s director, Scott Tourney, told her the application stuck out to him and others because she is actively involved with kids every day and has an innovative classroom.

“I teach in a 4th grade classroom and love to work with striving learners,” Bowman says. ” I believe in hands on activities and setting daily goals. Our key word for our room is SPARKLE! I tell them to show others how much they know and we celebrate every success.”

Bowman says the award is also sponsored by Farm Bureau. She received a plaque and was awarded $1,000 for school use.

“I am blessed, shocked, and so appreciative,” Bowman says. “I appreciate being able to teach in a rural school and how well you can know the families and the people in the community. I have taught in the same rural school for my whole career, and I would never want to be anywhere else! The administration and  staff in our rural corporation support each other every day and provide so many excellent enrichment opportunities that broaden our students’ learning. We can celebrate our rural heritage and share global experiences as well. Everyone in our corporation has supported me each and every day and should be recognized as well.”

Bowman will represent Indiana at a special conference at The Ohio State University in October.