Ashdown Public Schools System recognizes teachers of the year
ASHDOWN, Ark. — Three Ashdown Public Schools teachers recently were recognized for their efforts during the system’s monthly board meeting.
Mavis Patillo, Christy Turner and Amy Silva were lauded by Superintendent Casey Nichols, who said he was proud of each of them.
“Each teacher represents their campuses to show how hardworking and dedicated they are to their students, schools and community,” Nichols said.
Patillo teaches at Ashdown Elementary School and has been working for the school system for 34 years with students who have special needs.
“Patillo goes above and beyond by giving up her lunchtime to support students in the cafeteria as they eat due to the high needs of our students,” Public Relations Director Ronda Pounds said to the Gazette.
Patillo said teaching requires love, compassion, understanding, faithfulness and a heartfelt belief that each student can grow and learn daily.
Turner also was recognized as the school system’s teacher of the year.
“After listening to all of the achievements of the other two teachers I was just glad to be in the same room as them. I am honored and so very thankful for the recognition,” Turner said.
Turner was inspired to become a teacher by her son’s fourth-grade teacher, Linda Davis.
“She had a way of inspiring them that they probably didn’t even realize how much they were learning,” Turner said.
Two of Turner’s children were at the meeting to see her recognized, while a daughter in college in Lubbock, Texas, watched through video conferencing.
“To see how proud my family is, that is really something,” Turner said.
Silva teaches at Ashdown High School. She started with the school system as a substitute nurse after being a nurse at Wadley and CHRISTUS St. Michael hospitals.
She changed careers after starting a family and enjoyed her time so much as a substitute teacher that she applied to be a school nurse.
“I enjoyed patient education and providing education to other nursing staff while working as a nurse. This love translated easily to the classroom when the administration asked me to consider the health science educator position at the high school in 2010. And that joy that I found while serving others as a nurse was easily found as well when serving students,” Silva said.
Silva said it is thrilling to be recognized as the high school teacher of the year, especially as both of her parents used to teach for the district.
Nichols said the three teachers go above and beyond daily to provide the best education possible for students.
“I am so appreciative of that. Our district is better each and every day for our students due to these highly motivated teachers,” she said.