Paula Chapman: 2008-09 Educator of the Year recipient

Region IV is proud to present Paula Chapman as their 2008-2009 Educator of the Year recipient. Paula is a 7th grade Geography teacher at O’Leary Junior High School in Twin Falls. She has been very active in ensuring that the students and teachers of O’Leary continue to move forward in the pursuit of middle school greatness. O’Leary has been participating in Making Middle Grades Work (MMGW) and Paula is co-site coordinator. She and her partner are the link between O’Leary and MMGW, putting in countless hours planning, surveying, and presenting so that it is relevant to the needs of O’Leary. Even the little things don’t go unnoticed, such as providing treats at meetings. She is always appreciative of the time teachers have to take out of their classes to get MMGW things accomplished. When asked to describe Paula’s role in MMGW one teacher wrote, ―She is the knot that holds the focus teams together.‖

In addition, Paula works continuously to improve professionally by attending trainings, workshops, and conferences. She is always willing to share the great things she learns with her col-leagues. She has braved the duties of cheerleading advisor and started a ski club at O’Leary that has grown from barely filling one bus the first year, three busses and a waiting list this past winter. Thanks, Paula! Region IV is lucky to have you!