2009.04.07
Christiansburg teacher wins award
RADFORD — A Christiansburg Middle School teacher won a $25,000 regional educational award tonight.
Jayanne Bridges, who teaches sixth-grade science, is one of two top winners in the 2009 McGlothlin Awards for Teaching Excellence from the Bristol-based McGlothlin Foundation.
The regional award, open to teachers from parts of Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee, is one of the largest education awards in the country. It was awarded at Radford University.
Bridges has taught in Montgomery County’s school since 1994.
She must use at least $10,000 of the award to travel internationally. The awards are designed to “bring the world” to those who win, according to the foundation. Bridges plans to use the money to travel to Africa. While there, she plans to work with underprivileged children in reading, math, computer skills and conservation science.
Judges said Bridges impressed them with hands-on lessons and community service projects.
To be eligible, teachers must have been in the classroom for at least five years. Applicants are judged on a four-month long application that includes classroom observations, sample lesson plans and an essay about how they plan to teach students about the world.
Other semi-finalists for the award this year included Troutville Elementary teacher Teresa Hash and Pulaski County High teacher Erin Wigginton. Each won $1,000 and a trophy.
I had Mrs. Bridges, as well as my brother did. She is an awesome teacher, you really do learn a lot from her. She deserves the award, i don't think the judges will be disappointed with their choice.
Comment by Danielle — April 13, 2009 @ 8:36 am