2009 Teachers of the Year!

Ms. Del Gobbo has 22 years of teaching experience, and has taught Art in Wilson, Patch, Wilbur, and Stowers Elementary Schools, all located at Fort Benning, Ga. Prior to joining DoDEA, Ms. Del Gobbo taught art, language arts, and math at South Hills Elementary School in Fort Worth, Texas. She is a graduate of Texas Christian University, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and a graduate of Troy State University with a Master's degree in Elementary Education. She also holds a Specialist in Education certificate from Troy State University.

Ms. Del Gobbo firmly believes that arts education, including music and drama, needs to be integrated into the 21st century classroom. The arts foster cooperation, communication, and problem solving, all highly desirable qualities in the 21st century workplace. Her superintendent writes, "Sharon was a 'servant leader' long before the term came into vogue. She volunteers her time and effort in many capacities and routinely collaborates with classroom teachers to reinforce math and social studies concepts, and vocabulary through art education."

Ms. Goldhorn has 26 years of teaching experience; 3 years of post-secondary teaching experience; and 11 years of private music teaching experience. She has been teaching music and language arts for the past 11 years in DoDEA schools in Guam, at Anderson Elementary School and at Cmdr. William C. McCool Elementary/Middle School. Prior to joining DoDEA, Ms. Goldhorn taught at Simon Sanchez High School in Guam; Lincoln and Mellette Elementary Schools in Watertown, S.D.; Watertown Business University; McGoffin Middle School in El Paso, Texas; and Zephyr High School, in Zephyr, Texas. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Howard Payne University and her Masters of Education Degree from the University of Guam.

Ms. Goldhorn would like to share this sage advice given to her by her first principal, "You get what you get...make it work." In order to "make it work", Ms. Goldhorn believes teachers must integrate continuing professional development, accountability, and a sense of personal and social commitment. A former school board member remarks, "We should clone Ms. Goldhorn and have her teach all of DoDEA-Guam music programs. Ms. Goldhorn is a jewel worthy of accolades..."

Mr. Roach has 32 years of teaching experience in DoDEA Schools. He has been teaching social studies, speech, and drama for the past 16 years at Scott Middle School at Fort Knox, Ky. Mr. Roach also taught science, social studies, and literature at Macdonald Middle School at Fort Knox and also taught social studies at Fort Knox High School. He began his career with DoDEA as a special education teacher at Pierce Elementary School at Fort Knox. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Law Enforcement at Eastern Kentucky University and his Master of Arts in Education from the University of Louisville.

Mr. Roach's message to fellow educators is threefold. Recognize the strengths of your mentors and learn from them, listen to your students as they are the best teachers in your classroom, and be the lifelong learner you want your students to be. His community superintendent writes, "Mr. Roach's passion for teaching and love of children is only surpassed by the character and integrity he brings to the profession. This honor is well deserved and long overdue."

Ms. Smith has 16 years of teaching experience. She has been teaching Pre-Kindergarten, Gifted Education, and Preschool Services for Children with Disabilities in DoDEA schools for the past 10 years, at Burrows Elementary School in Quantico, Va., Dahlgren School, Dahlgren, Va., and at Russell Elementary School in Quantico, Va. Prior to joining DoDEA, Ms. Smith was an Early Childhood Special Education teacher at Original Walker Grant in Fredericksburg, Va. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Studio Art from Mary Washington College, and her Master of Education Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Ms. Smith compares a teacher to a conductor of an orchestra. Success as conductors is found when "all the students in the orchestra are working together harmoniously to create the unique music that is the sound of learning in the classroom." What makes Ms. Smith "the best of the best" writes a colleague "is the creativity she displays in her lesson planning and instruction ...equal to none. She creates a dynamic learning environment for students with unique learning needs and is masterful at instilling in her students a love of learning."

Ms. St. Clair has 6 years of teaching experience, and for the past 5 years, she has been teaching 3rd grade and Kindergarten in DoDEA schools, at Pierce Elementary School, Fort Knox, Ky., and at Delalio Elementary School, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Prior to joining DoDEA, Ms. St. Clair was a K-5 Art teacher at Meadowview Elementary School in Radcliff, Ky. She received her Bachelors Degree from Western Kentucky University and a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching from the University of Louisville.

Ms. St. Clair challenges all teachers to identify a vision for their students and to make that vision a reality. The vision she shares for her school is, "All staff members share in success for all students." Her charge is to ensure all of her students experience that success. A colleague remarks, "Ms. St. Clair has been a true change agent in our kindergarten classes, demonstrating that there is no challenge too great for a kindergarten student. Every child who left her classroom at the end of the year was meeting or exceeding standards set for kindergarten by DoDEA."

Ms. Stephens has 19 years of teaching experience, all with DoDEA schools. She has taught 3rd grade, science and math labs, math instructional support, and math at Laurel Bay Intermediate School and Bolden Elementary School in Beaufort, South Carolina. She was also the Interim Assistant Principal at Laurel Bay Intermediate School. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from South Carolina State University and her Master's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina.

Ms. Smith advocates for curricular reform in mathematics. According to the Committee on Economic Growth, "improving the math and science skills of young people is an important step toward maintaining innovation-led economic growth in the coming decade. As educators, we must go beyond how we were taught and teach as we wish we had been taught." Angela's superintendent praises her expertise and training. "She is what every teacher should be and what every teacher must be."

Ms. Boles has 16 years of teaching experience, and for the past 8 years, she has taught 4th and 5th grade students in DoDEA schools in Belgium and in Germany. Prior to joining DoDEA, Ms. Boles taught at Collinswood Elementary School and Quail Hollow Middle School, both located in Charlotte, N.C. She is a graduate of Appalachian State University, with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She received her Master's Degree in Education Curriculum/Instruction: Reading in 2006 from Grand Canyon University.

Maintaining high expectations for each student, teaching with multiple learning styles as a guide, and using her own experiences and hobbies as a resource, Ms. Boles devises real world lessons for her students, including those who are struggling to learn. A student states, "Ms. Boles supports us personally and educationally, not to mention encouraging us to strive for success. But, most of all, she gives us the feeling of everything is possible."

Ms. Stallings has 8 years of teaching experience. She has been teaching 6th and 7th grade math and science for all of those eight years at Heidelberg Middle School in Heidelberg, Germany. Ms. Stallings is a graduate of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn., earning her Bachelor of Science in Education and a Computer Science Certification. She is currently working towards her Masters Degree in Educational Technology from Wisconsin Stout University.

Ms. Stallings believes that extra-curricular activities such as Odyssey of the Mind, E-cybermission, Student Council, and Honors Band, to name a few, give students an opportunity to shine while being challenged. She also believes extra-curricular activities help shape a child and give them experiences to learn beyond the classroom. A father writes, "Our daughter, Jamie, showed very little interest in science but now considers it one of her favorite subjects. Ms. Stallings volunteers hundreds of hours from her weekends and time after school to nurture students' curiosity...to find solutions to how natural and manmade objects work."

Ms. Arroyo has 14 years of teaching experience. She has been a Special Education Teacher for the past 7 years with DoDEA schools, serving at Kinnick High School, in Yokosuka, Japan; Yokosuka Middle School; Lakenheath Elementary School, Lakenheath, U.K.; and at Lakenheath Middle School. Prior to joining DoDEA, Ms. Arroyo taught at Larrymore Elementary School in Norfolk, Va.; Rancho San Joaquin Middle School in Irvine, Calif.; James Hurst Elementary School in Portsmouth, Va.; Bayview Christian School in Norfolk, Va.; and Portsmouth RE-ED in Portsmouth, Va. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Mary Baldwin College and her Master of Science Degree in Education from Old Dominion University. She also holds a credential in Reading Instruction from the University of San Diego and a credential in Severe and Multiple Disabilities from the University of Phoenix.

Ms. Arroyo believes diversity makes American schools unique and beautiful and that stakeholders with diverse backgrounds and skills can provide a well-rounded vision that benefits all students. Colleagues praise Ms. Arroyo for her advocacy for students with disabilities. "Lisa always tries to find ways to educate others about children with special needs. Her informational lunches are quick and to the point and I learn something each time."

Mr. Marvel has 31 years of teaching experience. He has been teaching music in DoDEA schools for the past 7 years, at Bahrain High School and at Naples High School in Naples, Italy. Prior to joining DoDEA, Mr. Marvel taught music at Al Hekma International School in Bahrain; Hedgesville High School, Shepherd College, Berkeley Springs High School, and Paw Paw High School in West Virginia; and at Bruton High School in Virginia. He was also a fine arts coordinator with the Berkeley Board of Education. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education from Shepherd College and his Master of Arts Degree in Music Education from James Madison University.

"People learn by seeing the relevance of education to their everyday life." These words, spoken by John Dewey many years ago, lead Mr. Marvel to remind us as educators how essential it is to make our subject matter relevant to the needs of students in the 21st century. A student describes Mr. Marvel as an "exceptional teacher" who inspired him to follow in his footsteps. "Since the moment Mr. Marvel set foot in Naples, he set to work to improve the school's music program, organizing DoDDS-Europe's first and only student marching band. Respected by his peers and beloved by his students, Mr. Marvel epitomizes all that a teacher should be."

Ms. McAlpin has six years of teaching experience. She has been teaching math, science, social studies, and health to 4th and 5th Grade students at the Sullivans School in Yokosuka, Japan for all of those six years. Ms. McAlpin earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Operations Management from the University of Houston. She received her Master of Education in Instructional Leadership and Curriculum from the University of Oklahoma.

Ms. McAlpin sees education as understanding and believes through collaboration among educators, parents, students, and community members our youth will be better prepared for their futures. She likes to keep in mind the quote, "Education: the part that lasts after you've forgotten what you learn." A colleague remembers their first meeting, "Little did I know it then, but I would come to see Deirdre everywhere. I have witnessed time and again the tireless energy and commitment to the children of this community. It is what truly sets her apart and far above the rest of us (teachers) who care and work hard."

Mr. Casciani has 11 years of teaching experience. He has been teaching in DoDEA schools for the past eight years, at Seoul American Elementary School, where he taught 2nd and 3rd grades, and at Daegu American School in Korea, where he has been a Literacy Facilitator and Literacy Support Specialist for the Kindergarten Program. Prior to joining DoDEA, Mr. Casciani taught 2nd grade at Epiphany Catholic School in Monessen, Pa. and 4th grade at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic School in Clairton, Pa. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education from California University of Pennsylvania and earned his Master of Arts degree in Teaching (Educational Technology) from Michigan State University.

Mr. Casciani advocates for the differentiation of the curriculum which will empower all students to be literate, critical thinkers...one size does not fit all. His principal remarks, "Mr. Casciani has provided far more than what is normally expected of a teacher with regard to school leadership. He developed several training modules based on our school's individual needs. He has excelled beyond expectation as our literacy facilitator, our curriculum implementation facilitator, and our continuous school improvement chair."

Ms. Smith has nearly 9 years of teaching experience, and for the past 6 years, she has been teaching Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades at DoDEA schools in Germany and Japan. Her current position is a Literacy Support Specialist on Okinawa. Prior to joining DoDEA, Ms. Smith taught 1st, 2nd, and 5th grades at Pate Elementary School and Spaulding Elementary School in Darlington, S.C. She is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Francis Marion University and her Master of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Phoenix.

Ms. Smith believes to be successful, teachers must build a sense of community within their classrooms and schools and must enter partnerships with parents and community members. "The positive impact on student achievement and morale cannot be underestimated." A parent writes, "When my son entered Kathy's classroom he could not read. It affected his self-confidence and I doubted myself as a parent. She identified areas in which he needed extra help and provided support. My son is now reading above grade level. Kathy helped us both. She is truly a role model and a hero in my eyes."