Having served 29 years in education-24 at Poplar Bluff High School, four at a parochial school and one year for the Missouri Division of Youth Services-Karlish is known by her colleagues as a mentor to both new and seasoned teachers. For R-I schools, she is an Academic Team Coach and a Capturing Kids' Hearts Process Champion. Outside of school, Karlish is very active at Midland Church, where she serves as praise leader and musician.
"I hope we can replicate this lady as many times as [possible]," said PBHS Principal Mike Kiehne, who presented Karlish with a plaque [above]. Karlish was also named the Secondary Grade Span and the Senior High TOY.
Fifth grade math and reading instructor Joan Lack of the 5th & 6th Grade Center was named the Middle School Grade Span TOY.
An educator of nearly 14 years, Lack has taught at 5/6 since 2002. Prior to that she served as a teacher's aide at the Kindergarten Center, a self-contained instructor at 5/6 and a sixth grade teaching intern for the Ladue School District. She is currently a Professional Learning Community leader and facilitator. She also serves as a basketball and soccer coach.
Principal Charles Brown of 5/6, who presented Lack the plaque [above], simply described her work in the classroom as "awesome," adding that she has a real way of keeping students engaged. Lack was also named the 5/6 TOY.
Second grade instructor Jeannie Isom of O'Neal Elementary was named the Elementary Grade Span TOY.
An educator since 1999-having previously taught second grade and kindergarten-Isom is currently piloting the successful Math in Focus program at the elementary school. For years she has served as St. Jude coordinator, yearbook co-editor and Girl Scout leader. She is actively involved in her church, Palace of Praise, where she helps with the Kingdom Kids program and volunteers in the nursery.
O'Neal Principal Angie Rideout [above, left], who presented her the plaque, described Isom's teaching method as "exciting." Isom was also named the O'Neal TOY.
Cosmetology instructor Amanda Plunk was named the Technical Career Center TOY. Plunk has worked at the TCC for two and a half years, and in education since 2005.
TCC Director Charles Kinsey, who presented Plunk the plaque [above], joked how a "math problem doesn't become upset with you if you mess up," as opposed to a client receiving a haircut from a student in practice.
Social studies instructor Josh Wesemann was named the Junior High TOY. He began his teaching career in 2007 and transferred to Poplar Bluff Schools the following year.
"People look up to him already," said PBJHS Principal Bob Case [above, right], who presented Wesemann the plaque.
Special education instructor Courtney Rutledge was named the Oak Grove TOY. Since 2004, Rutledge has worked throughout the district, including Eugene Field and Kindergarten.
Oak Grove Principal Jenifer Richardson [above, right], who presented the teacher the plaque, commented that she has learned some tips about raising her own children from Rutledge's methods.
Second grade instructor Chelsea Smith was named the Lake Road TOY. Beginning as a substitute teacher at the 5th & 6th Grade Center in 2008, Smith was hired at the elementary school the following year.
Lake Road Principal Erica Weadon [above, right], who presented her with the plaque, stated Smith is known for having the "patience of a saint."
Fourth grade instructor Pam Heaton was named the Eugene Field TOY. Heaton has served various positions throughout the school district since 2000. Prior, she taught at Greenville and was the manufacturing training coordinator for Gates Rubber.
Heaton is known for "making math work," stated Eugene Field Principal Jennifer Taylor [above, left], who presented her with the plaque.
Special education instructor Shelly Johnson was named the Kindergarten Center TOY. Johnson began at the Kindergarten Center in 2012, having worked for Clearwater for several years prior.
Kindergarten Center Principal Carol Metz [above, right], who presented her the plaque, pointed out that Johnson was also a TOY nominee last year.
Instructor of 4-year-olds, Lori Bell, was named the Early Childhood Center TOY. Bell began with Poplar Bluff this school year, but has variously taught at Centerville, Southern Reynolds and Clearwater since 1991.
According to ECC Principal JoAnne Westbrook [above, right], who presented her the plaque, Bell was Clearwater's TOY last year.
