Cove ISD names Teachers and Paraprofessional of the Year

It was standing room only in the Copperas Cove ISD Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday night. Despite the overflowing crowd, one could have heard a pin drop as those in attendance held their breath waiting to find out who would be named the district’s Teacher of the Year, Rookie Teacher of the Year and Para-professional of the Year. With 11 nominees in each category, S. C. Lee’s Rebel Brown was named the CCISD Para-professional of the Year. Brown’s school principal, Kayleen Love, said he volunteers for every event, makes a point of learning every student’s name and is eager to help all students solve any problem they may have. “Contrary to being named Rebel, Mr. Brown is one of the most professional and consistent members of the SC Lee staff - both teachers and para-professionals alike. He is caring, compassionate, and always considerate with his special needs students, the rest of the student body, and the entire staff,” she said. “Mr. Brown is the mold from which all para-professionals should be made.” Love said that in addition to his students’ success, Brown makes campus security and safety a priority and can always be counted on to take the reins when a situation arises. Fairview/Miss Jewell Elementary School Teacher Courtney Jenkins was named the CCISD Elementary Teacher of the Year. Principal Leah Miller said Jenkins begins each year by creating a community with an emphasis on fostering a sense of family and belonging. “Students learn academics as well as the social skills and compassion necessary to be a part of something bigger then themselves,” Miller said. “Ms. Jenkins is able to bring out the best in each student while empowering all children to grow and shine in their own ways. She learns and teaches to children’s areas of needed growth and celebrates their strengths and accomplishments.” “She is the kind of teacher every parent or grandparent would want their child or grandchild to have and the kind of teacher that children look back on as adults and remember as that one teacher who made a huge impact.” Copperas Cove High School’s Charlotte Heinze was named the CCISD Secondary Teacher of the Year. CCISD Director of Career Readiness Russell Porterfield said Heinze is regularly asked to work with students on campus that are struggling to be successful. “Her ability to treat students with respect while motivating them to be successful has proven to be the difference in a number of students graduating rather than dropping out of high school,” he said. “Ms. Heinze’s personality is one of high-energy that is contagious for students to want to give their best effort and to be successful in all of her classes. “The level of dedication and work ethic that she displays to students is definitely a positive impact on their lives and it is evident by the work that they produce.” House Creek Elementary Teacher Jennifer Farnum was named the CCISD Rookie Teacher of the Year. Principal Larea Gamble said Ms. Farnum goes above and beyond in her service to students and families. “If observing her interactions with students and responses to challenging students, one would never suspect that she is a first year teacher,” Gamble said. “She is patient, consistent in her expectations and builds strong relationships through communicating honestly and regularly with parents.” Both Heinze and Jenkins will advance to the next level in their respective categories with the Region 12 winners to be announced in August. The CCISD winners were each given an engraved cherry wood mantle clock and a $250 check from the CCISD Board of Trustees