Shiela Perez

By JOHN NORTONTHE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN
When Shiela Perez led her third-graders to Spann School’s gym Thursday afternoon, she thought they were just going to enjoy a Christmas concert by the school’s young singers.
But after a brief musical performance, Lisa Medler of the Colorado Department of Education came forward to make an announcement - that Perez had been named Colorado's Title I teacher of the year.
This is the second year for the award and the state's plan was to name two teachers each year.
Medler said that Perez’s nomination was so outstanding, however, that state officials could not see having her share the award and named her as the sole winner for 2006.
In addition to a glass plaque, Perez will receive $5,000 from the state.
Perez was nominated for the award by Spann Principal Charlotte Macaluso and Reading First coach Tammy Neal.
They wrote: “Mrs. Perez motivates students through her own enthusiasm for learning and teaching. Her creative lesson planning, continual support of her students’ learning needs, interaction and relationships with both students and their families ultimately promotes positive student achievement.”
Perez decided to become a teacher while her own children were in school. She has spent her entire five-year career at Spann.
Macaluso and Neal also pointed out that “although Spann is a high poverty school, where 95 percent of all children receive free or reduced priced lunches, she focuses her attention on those things she has control over. She has control over the curriculum she delivers day to day; she controls how she interacts with and involves families.
“Mrs. Perez recognizes the importance of family partnerships in the education of each child in her classroom and the greater school community. She forms relationships with parents by continuously dialoguing with them regarding their child’s performance.”
Beyond those complimentary recommendations, Medler said the award is based on data that shows how the winning teacher has improved achievement, determined students’ needs and differentiates instruction based on those needs.
Winning teachers also stay abreast of new information and research within their subject areas and communicate well with parents and the community, she said.
During a reception following the award ceremony, Perez told her fellow teachers and family members, “I expect 110 percent of my students but they know that I give them 110 percent of me as well. I wouldn’t ask them to work any harder than I do.
“I set high expectations for my students and they always rise to meet those expectations. Kids will rise to the expectation you set for them - if you set low expectations that's what they will achieve - if you set high goals they will rise to or exceed them.”
Perez said she couldn’t accomplish what she does without the support of other people at Spann.
“I am fortunate to work with the best teachers in District 60. I have the best principal in Charlotte Macaluso, the best reading coach in Tammy Neal and the best Lindamood-Bell coordinator in Geri Lane. It’s because of the strong team at Spann that I am able to focus on helping my students succeed.”

http://www.chieftain.com/metro/1166198837/10