
At the heart of what we love about our schools here in Mason are hard-working teachers and staff who regularly go the extra mile for our kids. This award is given annually to Mason teachers who exemplify the values of the Mason Schools Foundation by taking students “Above and Beyond”.
The annual award is traditionally given to two teachers (one elementary (K-6) and one secondary (7-12)) who exemplify the values of the Foundation by taking their students “Above and Beyond.” THIS YEAR – we will be granting one teacher from each building (MECC, ME, MI, MMS, MHS) this award. Each winner will receive a $250 grant to use during the next school year. Award winners will be announced in May and be recognized at the fall MSF Gala.
Process:
In the spring of each school year the Foundation will solicit nominations from the community for the award. Community members use this form to describe how this teacher takes his/her students “Above and Beyond” and return it to the Mason Schools Foundation.
- The Mason Schools Foundation will select the recipients at the May board meeting.
- Grants will be awarded during the Staff Appreciation event at the end of the year.
- Funding will be available at the beginning of the following school year.
- Recipients will be asked to submit a grant report form to the Grant committee indicating how he/she used the funds to benefit our Mason students.
Above & Beyond Teacher Award Winners 2023
Christie Loucks
Mason High School Teacher of the Year
For 20 years Mrs. Loucks has been teaching at Mason High School where she was hired to start the ASL program. Her classes are made up mostly of freshman and sophomores. Prior to teaching, Mrs. Loucks was a 1:1 Support Ed Aide for a student with multiple disabilities which included hearing loss at Worthington Elementary School.Although living all over Ohio, Christie Loucks was raised a Cincinnati girl. She loves the Cincinnati Reds and the Bengals. “Who Dey!” she cheered. She also loves Xavier Basketball. Christie attended Kent State University, initially unsure of a career path. She tried out a few majors ranging from labor and delivery nursing, ASL interpreting and deaf education before finally graduating with a BS in ASL education. “I found a strong connection to ASL through my high school ASL teacher who was deaf,” Christie shared. “I loved teaching anyone signs and decided to make a career out of what I love.” She then went on to receive a Master of Arts degree in School Counseling from Xavier University.Mrs. Loucks has been married to her husband Craig for 17 years. Together they have 2 children. Jack is a rising 9th grader and Annie, a rising 7th grader. They also have a family dog named Mortimer. Mrs. Loucks loves to vacation in North Carolina, to spend time catching up with close friends and to cook for her family. She also enjoys attending cooking classes or watching cooking shows on tv. When not traveling or cooking, you may find Mrs. Loucks cheering on her daughter, a Comet Skipper or her son who will be part of the Mason High School Marching Band next year.Christie Loucks finds it rewarding being the only ASL teacher in the district. “I especially like that I get to track with my students and have them for 2 years,” she shared. “The bonds and friendships forged in the classroom have been amazing and fruitful.” Mrs. Loucks spends time personalizing learning around the interests and passions of her students. She communicates clearly and often with them and their parents and uses her relationship with the deaf community to provide opportunities to take learning outside of the classroom. One example, students are able to attend monthly dinners hosted by the deaf community. It is a unique opportunity to be able to practice what they are learning in class.“Mrs. Loucks is a proactive educator that goes Above and Beyond in every aspect of her classroom,” said parent Jana Surace. “Her warm and friendly personality allows her students to feel included, and no matter how difficult the pace of the material, she makes her classroom fun and engaging,” Jana added.Mrs. Loucks is a Mason Schools Foundation Grant recipient. Several years ago she received grant funding to hire a deaf storyteller and performer. “We sold out the Mason Middle School auditorium and publicized the evening to all Tri-state secondary and post secondary schools that offer ASL classes,” she shared. “I’m excited about the prospect to bring back something like this again!”
Kelly Tinsley
Mason Middle School Teacher of the Year
This month Mrs. Tinsley finished her 10th year of teaching. She has taught in Mason City Schools for 3 years and in the Middle School for the past two where she teaches 7th grade math and Comet connections. When not in the classroom Mrs. Tinsley enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband Jim spend many hours watching their boys’ sporting events, hearing all about Nintendo games and staying active. “I really enjoy being outside in all its forms but specifically hiking, kayaking and walking our dog, Obi,” she shared.In the middle of her teaching career Mrs. Tinsley stepped away from the classroom to raise her three boys. During this time she was involved with Capernaum, an organization which gave her the opportunity to work with students that have special needs. Time with these students led her to pursue a special education certificate prior to returning back to the classroom. This along with “helping my own son navigate school also gave me perspective on how to best include students that typically struggle through the school day,” she shared. “I am always looking for ways to create class communities where all can contribute and grow.”“Mrs. Tinsley is the definition of a saint on earth!” was expressed by one parent in her nomination. Another shared, “Our child has experienced severe mental health challenges and Mrs. Tinsley helped them not only recognize that they are not only safe and stable at school but capable of greatness.” The nomination went on to show how impressed parents were that Mrs. Tinsley would call home prior to the start of the school year to discuss a child’s needs. She always responds to team emails when a counselor or other teacher could easily address the situation instead. And, she works tirelessly to ensure her students feel safe and loved. When a student began to excel academically parents shared that they never thought it would be possible. “Mrs. Tinsley recognizes that mental health comes first and if managed we can progress learning,” they said.After presenting Kelly Tinsley as Teacher of the Year she humbly shared, “I feel very fortunate to be in a district that values innovation and inclusive education. The teachers at MMS are so creative and fiercely committed to doing what is best for students. I am definitely a better teacher because of my time in this building.”Kelly Tinsley clearly goes ‘Above and Beyond’ daily for her students both in and out of the classroom. She exudes the values of The Foundation and it was our honor to present her as Teacher of the Year at MMS!“The Mason Schools Foundation has been a constant positive presence within the Mason community,” Mrs. Tinsley shared. “Their efforts have made a meaningful impact in lives of all connected to Mason City Schools. I am just so grateful for the gift and the award.”
Michelle Tiffner
Mason Intermediate School Teacher of the Year
Jami Conway
Mason Elementary School Teacher of the Year
Rachel Shearer
Mason Early Childhood Center Teacher of the Year
2019
Vance Reid – MHS
Monica Johnston – MECC
2018
Libby Beck – WR
Alissa Mahoney – MI
Laura Tonkin – MMS
Carol Lehman – MHS
2017
Micah Ewing – MHS
Christine Yoda – MI
2016
BJ Smallwood – MECC
Lazuta/Hillenmeyer Team – WR
Dee Dee Messer – MHS
Aimee Hansen – MHS
Lauren Richardson – MMS
2015
Kelly Gholz – WR
Amy Ortega – MHS
2014
Team Patriots- MI (Tereba, Grable, DeVore)
MMS Chorus—Debra Jones and Holly Schreier
2013
Sarah Flohr—MECC
Anne Tohey—MHS
2012
Mike Williams-WR
Susan Hannigan and Pam Tanghal-MMS
2011
Ali Green -WR
2010
Marylee Vennemeyer—WR
Jill Arminio—MMS
Original Above and Beyond Teacher
Deb Perry—MHS