Testerman named teacher of year

Pawhuska Public Schools on Monday night recognized and congratulated its Honor Teachers for the 2018-19 school year.

Amy Sanders, principal of Indian Camp Elementary School, announced to the Pawhuska Board of Education that Cindy Testerman is the Honor Teacher this year for Indian Camp. Testerman has also been chosen the Teacher of the Year for the entire district.

“I could not have chosen a better person to represent our school,” Sanders said of Testerman. Sanders described Testerman as “the face” of the educational achievements that PPS is working toward at Indian Camp. Sanders also said Testerman is a compassionate educator who is loved by her pupils.

Byron Cowan, principal of Pawhuska Elementary School, the district’s upper elementary school that serves grades 3-6, announced that Susan Barnes has been chosen the Honor Teacher for that building.

“This is all from their peers,” Cowan said, sharing details about Barnes’ selection. Cowan described Barnes as the “resident nurse” for kids at Pawhuska Elementary and said she is always looking for new ways to help students.

Pawhuska High School principal Lauri Lee presented Michelle Walker as the secondary school Honor Teacher for 2018-19. Lee described Walker as “a source of inspiration.”

“The kids are always doing neat projects and excited to be in her room,” Lee said of Walker.

Honor Teachers were selected by their fellow teachers. A committee of retired teachers reviewed information about the Honor Teachers and selected the Teacher of the Year, Superintendent David Cash said.