District honors Bethel teacher

May 20, 2008 at 12:05PM AKST

The Lower Kuskokwim School District selected Ms. Amanda O'Boyle as 2007-2008 Teacher of the Year.

O'Boyle is a special education teacher at Bethel Regional High School. She began her teaching career at the high school in 2005 after graduating with a bachelor's degree in special education from Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan. She was nominated for this honor by the entire BRHS faculty, according to a written statement from the school district. 

In three years at the Bethel high school, O'Boyle has won tremendous respect from the students and staff.

Her positive attitude, dedication and hard work were cited by staff members as qualities that lead to her success with students.

This year, when recruiting efforts failed to fill two special education positions, Amanda was asked to take on an unusually large work load, according to the statement. In the face of this difficult teaching assignment she did a remarkable job, and still maintained her infectious positive attitude.

O'Boyle was also cited for volunteering her time to tutor students, helping with extra curricular activities, and serving on committees.

As LKSD's teacher of the year, O'Boyle will be the LKSD nominee for Alaska teacher of the year next year, should she choose to apply.

Also, nominated for the LKSD Teacher of the year were Sally Samson, a teacher at Ayaprun Elitnaurvik in Bethel, and Carey Steele, a teacher from Anna Tobeluk Memorial School in Nunapitchuk. All three candidates had very strong qualities which made the committees selection difficult.

Previous LKSD winners are:

1994-1995  Carrie Longpre' 1995-1996  Amy Iutzi-Mitchell 1996-1997  Loddie Jones 1997-1998  Lois Gantner