Dearborn Chamber of Commerce Names Teacher of the Year - Dale Donelson

Dearborn Chamber of Commerce President, Jennifer Giering, welcomed more than 300 people to the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center for the annual Alberta Muirhead Teacher of the Year Award Ceremony and Reception held on May 14. Dr. John Artis, Superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools, spoke of the impact that teachers have on their students, not just during the school day, but for their entire lives. The Chamber's Education Committee, chaired by Patti Jones, had the tough job of selecting three winners from a field of more than 240 nominated teachers. The winning teachers for 2008 are:

Dale Donelson, Haigh Elementary School
Ryan Cook, Lowrey Middle School
Eleanor Shepherd, Berry Career Center

Mr. Donelson started his career in Dearborn at Howard Elementary in 1989. He worked at several schools in the district before coming to Haigh in 2005. The fifth grade teachers' ability to challenge students while keeping learning interesting were key points in the nomination letter written by student Karl LehmKuhl. Karl's nomination letter included the following comment:

"I have always felt that my teacher is fair and divides his attention equally between students. He is always happy to see his class every morning. He greets us with a warm hello and makes me happy to be in his class."

In 1996 Ryan Cook started teaching at Lowrey School. He thought that Lowrey would be a good place to start his teaching career and then eventually move to a school closer to his home. Eleven years later Ryan is still at Lowrey and wouldn't want to be anywhere else. The middle school science teacher told the audience how much he appreciates the support he receives from parents, staff, and administrators at Lowrey. Ryan's nominating essay from Zeinab Hassan credits him for her potential future success:

"Next year when I go to high school, I am confident that I will be outstanding in science. He didn't just teach me, he inspired, encouraged and helped me be a better person. I am positive that later in life I will be successful because of the methods taught by Mr. Cook".

Eleanor Shepherd arrived in Dearborn in 1989 and began teaching in the Culinary Arts program originally located at Fordson High School. In 2005 the program, and Ms. Shepherd, moved to the newly constructed Berry Career Center. Student Lauren Stevenson nominated Ms. Shepherd and made these comments in her nomination:

"She motivated me everyday with her passion for what she does and the bright smile on her face. She shows her dedication to her job by coming to work even when she is meant to be on bed rest. She shows us that you can do anything you want if you never give up".

Teachers selected receive a $1,000 cash prize, a plaque commemorating their achievement, and are now part of a select group of Dearborn Teachers who have been recognized by the community for their dedication and passion for teaching.