Troy Teacher Of The Year: Kristy Pierce Earns Top Honor, Vehicle Lease

TROY, MI — Athens High School teacher Kristy Pierce was recently named the Troy School District’s overall Teacher of the Year. As a result, the social studies and economics educator received a vehicle lease of a car of her choice from the Suburban Collection.

The district also selected teachers of the year at the elementary and middle school levels. A record 47 nominations were received. Winners were selected by school officials, teachers, parents as well as current and former students. Kimberly Phillips, fourth grade teacher at Wattles Elementary School, was named elementary teacher of the year. Lindsey Becker, seventh grade math teacher at Baker Middle School was named middle school teacher of the year.

“We have so many phenomenal teachers in the Troy School District,” said Superintendent Richard Machesky, Ed. D. “They each do a tremendous job of building a world class learning environment in their classrooms and it’s clear that they have a tremendous impact on those around them. Kristy, Kimberly and Lindsey bring with them a passion for learning that they pass on to their students.”

Pierce’s commitment to doing whatever it takes to help her students succeed was the highlight of her nomination. A parent said: “The most important gift a teacher can give a parent is to truly get to know their child—as both a student and a person. Kristy goes above and beyond to learn about every student—their strengths and weaknesses, their learning style, their goals and ambitions for the future. She uses that to nurture and encourage them, but also to help communicate and build partnerships with their parents.”

Pierce’s dedication goes beyond her classroom. As one of the advisors for student congress, her leadership helped guide the students to raising more than $155,000 during Charity Week for the Jenna Kast Believe in Miracles Foundation.

As for Phillips, she received three separate nominations from parents, colleagues and students, who all praised the impact she had on their lives. Those who nominated her for this honor said, “Mrs. Phillips has found her calling in life as teacher where she cares for her students as if they are her own children. She teaches them to strive for excellence, to love math and reading, and to respect each other. She truly brings out the best in her students!” Phillips was presented with a $500 check from the Troy Foundation for Educational Excellence.

Becker was praised for her energy and her passion to help students. She demonstrates that there are many ways to think mathematically and encourages students to understand the “why” behind a mathematical process rather than simply memorizing steps to reach the correct answer. Becker was also presented with a $500 check from the Troy Foundation for Educational Excellence.

Thirty-five other outstanding districts teachers were nominated by parents, students and colleagues. Each of them was singled out for the dedication and commitment they show every day for their profession. The other nominees, all of whom will be honored at a Troy School District Board of Education meeting in April include:

Adam Burns (Athens)
Amanda Hazergian (Schroeder)
Anne Drogosch (Smith)
Betsy Kennedy (Baker)
Brandon Preblich (Athens)
Cindy Christiansen (Larson)
Collette Carlin (Hill)
Dawn Hayes (Athens)
Emily Beski (IA East)
Erica Conklin (Barnard)
Giovanna Marulli (Hamilton)
Gwen Simon (Barnard)
Harriet Clark (Troy High)
Jackie Losh (Schroeder) *
Jackie Skinner (Wass) *
Janet Schoon (Costello)
Janice Boyer (Hamilton)
Jennifer Deward (Leonard)
Julie Dagenais (Costello) *
Julie Marjamaa (Costello)
Katherine Grabowski (Larson)
Kimberly Phillips (Wattles) *
Kristen Marcaccio (Costello)
Kristy Pierce (Athens)
Laurie Bussell (Bemis/Martell)
Lindsey Becker (Baker) *
Lindsey Gerbe (Barnard)
Melinda Kaspari (Hill)
Melissa Geeraerts (Hamilton)
Melven Moffett (Leonard)
Nadeen Brown (Leonard) *
Nicole Given (Martell) *
Patrick Scott (Morse)
Scott Binford (Martell)
Shelley Hakala (Athens)
Susan Baran (Smith)
Suzanne Cowie (Barnard)
Trevor Potts (Larson)

*Received more than one nomination

Image courtesy of the Troy School District