MacArthur High school
Issue 1

"We are proud to present MacArthur High School’s Teacher of the Year award  for 2007   to Mrs. Mary Barker!"   "Those words are one thing I will never forget," said Mrs. Barker, a veteran teacher for twenty years, about what she remembered most on receiving the award. Have you ever wondered what it really takes to become Teacher of the Year? The Teacher of the Year is chosen  among candidates previously named Teacher of the Month. The Student Council (STUCO) searches for teachers  who go over and beyond just being an average teacher. They look for teachers who demonstrate outstanding  teaching abilities as well as being helpful to the students by being a club sponsor, showing unconditional  dedication, and most importantly, being able to motivate students.  What are some of the perks of being selected Teacher of the Month? Activities Director Mrs. Brenda Pirtle    said, "Each winner of the month gets dinner for two to Golden Corral, two movie passes, one free t-shirt  coupon  from the student  store and a Certificate of Achievement. As Teacher of the Year, the winner gets a parking space, a plaque, one hundred dollar check, and a gold Teacher of the Year ring. Barker enjoyed the gold ring the most because "it shows  student’s  appreciation." According to Barker, "Teaching is a calling and part of who I am. For many students I have been a  counselor,  a nurse, a secretary, an advocate, a listener, a sister, a mother, a friend — that is to say, a teacher." Junior Kayla Gray said, "I completely agree Mrs. Barker should have received the Teacher of the Year award. She is an amazing teacher who can make something as boring as government and politics enjoyable and exciting. Everything about her personality and the atmosphere of her classroom truly makes her outstanding!" The previous Teacher of the Year awards date back to 1983. Recent recipients were: 2006- Ted Johnson, 2005- Melvin Hoskin, 2004- Ernie Manning, 2003- Nina Hunt and 2002- Rhonda Johnston. Coach Hoskin said his favorite part of being Teacher of The Year was, "The parking space! I didn’t use it because I always parked by the gym, but it was funny to see teachers argue for it!" By: Krista Sparkman