District presents awards, recognizes retirees

COEUR d'ALENE - An elementary physical education teacher who works passionately for the wellness of children was named Coeur d'Alene School District's Educator of the Year at Tuesday night's retirement and recognition dinner at the Coeur d'Alene Inn.

Top awards at the annual Coeur d'Alene Education Association/School District dinner Tuesday evening were Rookie of the Year James Anderson, High School Educator of the Year Tim Sandford, Middle School Educator of the Year Michelle Williams, Classified Employees of the Year Caroline Nipp and Tammy Freer, and Elementary Educator of the Year Teri Hamilton. Hamilton was also named Overall Educator of the Year and will represent the district in the state Teacher of the Year competition.

Teri Hamilton of Skyway Elementary was first announced as Elementary Educator of the Year before receiving the top award. She will now represent the district in the Idaho Teacher of the Year competition.

Lake City High School band and orchestra teacher Tim Sandford was named High School Educator of the Year; Canfield science teacher Michelle Williams was named Middle School Educator of the Year and Lake City High Spanish teacher James Anderson was selected Rookie Educator of the Year. The Classified Employee of the Year award was presented to the job-sharing team of Caroline Nipp and Tammy Freer, receptionists for the district office.

The dinner also honored 24 retirees whose combined service totals 547 years.

Hamilton began her teaching career at a young age, gathering the neighborhood children into a makeshift classroom. In college, she ventured into other fields, such as dance and recreation, but always came back to teaching.

A graduate of Whittier College who later earned her master's in administration from the University of Idaho, Hamilton has been P.E. specialist in the Coeur d'Alene School district since 1980. In three decades of teaching, she has seen increases in child obesity and health issues, so she has placed her emphasis on healthy choices and physical activity. Her students learn about nutritious snacks, proper table manners, and the benefits of walking. She actively seeks grants to further her program. Her passion for a healthy lifestyle extends to her community involvement in elementary cross country, fun runs, dance programs, food drives, Red Ribbon Week and Girl Scouts.

"I want our students to be healthy and physically fit. I want them to be able to live a healthy and disease-free life," Hamilton said.

Tim Sandford credits his family of teachers and pastors for steering him into a profession where he can make a positive influence. When he was a high school musician, the Coeur d'Alene band director, John Terris, had a huge influence on him and encouraged him to pursue music education as a vocation.

Sandford graduated from the University of Idaho and started his career in Montana in 1986, followed by six years in the Post Falls district. He joined the Coeur d'Alene School District in 1995 and earned his master's degree in 2004.

Sandford's students and his program have won numerous awards and recognition, including being a Grammy Signature School, and, most recently, winning the Instrumental Sweepstakes and Overall Sweepstakes awards at Seattle Heritage Music Festival. He is active in community and educational music groups and serves on several district committees.

Also a graduate of the University of Idaho, Michelle Williams began her career in the Coeur d'Alene district in 2000. She uses technology to engage students and writes grants to fund projects that enhance the curriculum. Earlier this year she received the North Idaho Discovery Association robotics grant to start Canfield's first Lego League Team.

Williams serves on the District's Long Range Plan and Levy Steering committees, is a member of several professional associations, has served as a Brownie Volunteer parent and volunteer city recreation coach, is on the Board of Directors of the Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association, and has been involved with the Women's Shelter Christmas program.

James Anderson entered the teaching field when a friend who was a principal at a small high school needed a substitute for a Spanish teacher. Anderson, who had lived in Chile, Peru and Bolivia, was fluent in Spanish. During that two-month assignment, he discovered he loved teaching and wanted to pursue a career in education.

He earned his teaching certificate at Central Washington University and joined the staff at Lake City High two years ago as a teacher, also coaching football and basketball. He uses innovative activities to reinforce his lessons and help students become fluent in Spanish. He is also a Venture Scout Master.

Caroline Nipp and Tammy Freer have shared the receptionist position at the school district office for five years. They were chosen for the top Classified Staff award from among the 10 monthly winners of the 2009-2010 school year. The two women were recognized for the seamless transition they make on a weekly basis, for their professionalism with patrons, and the assistance they provide to all staff.