Two SYCSD teachers honored with Outstanding awards
By TERRI REUTER
Publications/public information coordinator,
Southern York County School District
Teacher Sue Barnhart works with her student, Everleigh Pierce.
Glen Rock, Pa – Two teachers from the Southern York County School District are the most recent recipients of the Outstanding Teacher Award for 2012-13, sponsored by the Shippensburg University School Study Council. Friendship Elementary School first-grade teacher Sue Barnhart and Southern Middle School social studies teacher Andrew Warren will be honored Nov. 14 with a luncheon at Shippensburg University.
“This is the 14th year in a row that at least one teacher from the Southern York County School District has been selected for this honor,” Superintendent Thomas Hensley said.
As a middle school social studies teacher, Warren began his eighth year teaching at the District. He teaches world history to seventh graders and United States history to eighth graders. A graduate of Penn State, Warren earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University.
“I feel very honored to receive this award and greatly appreciate the support of colleagues who have helped me improve my craft over the years,” he said.
Teacher Andy Warren assists students Brandon Valway and Zach Buchanan with research.
Likewise, Barnhart has worked in the District for 23 years, having been a teacher and reading specialist at Southern Elementary for 12 years and a teacher at Friendship Elementary for the past 11 years. As a lifelong resident and alumnus of the Southern York County School District, Barnhart said she was honored and also surprised to receive this recognition.
“I was quite surprised to have been chosen to represent our District,” she said. “There are so many wonderful teachers that I have the privilege to work with and learn from. We make a great team and I am honored to represent the Southern York County School District.”
Barnhart received a bachelor’s degree from Millersville University and a master’s degree from Western Maryland College (McDaniel College).
For her, the most rewarding aspect about teaching is seeing her students learn. “In first grade, there are lots of light bulbs that light up and it is so exciting to watch students accomplish something they have been working so hard to do,” Barnhart said. “It is wonderful to see their self-confidence grow as the year goes on and they feel successful.”
The selection process for each of these teachers included recommendation letters from their schools’ administration. The teachers also wrote essays and supplied information on their professional backgrounds as well.
“Congratulations are extended to Sue and Andy on this outstanding honor,” Hensley said. “Both are very deserving of this recognition.”
