Two Green Country teachers honored

Wednesday, March 1st 2006, 10:37 am

By: News On 6

Two Green Country teachers receive honors for going beyond the call of duty. One makes house calls, the other dresses up as historical figures. Both are Oklahoma Medal of Excellence winners.

News on 6 reporter Ashli Sims went to Claremore to find out what makes these teachers tops in the state.

She juggles half a dozen projects, managing to be in at least two places at once and she's always ready with a high-five. Kindergartener Destiny Perigo: "She's a nice teacher.â€ Ashli Sims: â€œWhy do you think she's a nice teacher?â€ Destiny Perigo: â€œCause she helps us learn."

That's why Janet McKenzie is being honored with an Oklahoma Medal for Excellence. She's nationally board certified, a former Kendall Whittier teacher of the year and she still makes house calls."It changes the way you teach it changes the way they work with you they have confidence in you because you took the time to come to their house."

From a class of kindergarteners to a high school's hallways, Green Country's medal of excellence winners might teach different ages. But they share a passion for their students. Jan McClaren oozes enthusiasm. She's a powerpoint addict, who's been known to dress up as General Patton and Ghandi.

Claremore High senior Ryan Watkins: "she's a lot different than anyother teacher I've ever had she's really hands on and I think I learn a lot better. I've learned more in this class than any of my other history classes.â€ She's also Nationally Board Certified and a former Claremore Teacher of the Year. But those accolades don't sum her up nearly as well as her students do. Claremore High senior Cassandra Trahan: "You get the feeling that she actually cares about you. You get some teachers that are. But she actually she's into it, she likes what she does you can tell by what she does."

Both teachers say they share their success with their fellow teachers. Each will get a $7,500 in cash, their schools will receive a thousand dollars a piece.

Both women will be honored at the Foundation for Excellence Banquet in Tulsa on May 20th.