Taylor Elementary is pleased to announce Mrs. Penny Oakeson as Taylor Elementary's Teacher of the year for the 2021-2022 school year.
When asked what she loves about teaching Mrs. Oakeson stated, "The best part about my job is spending the day with students. Watching their lightbulbs come on and continue to shine brighter, witness real growth as they take ownership of their learning. I love interacting with students and learning from them. My favorite thing about teaching, however, is their bright eyes when they make the connection between what they are learning and how they will apply it to the real world around them."
Maggie Sumens, a former student of Mrs. Oakeson's, said, "I love, love, love Mrs. Oakeson! I love her expressive stories, the way she always listens closely to you, and the way I could just trust her, when you are in Mrs. Oakeson's class you know she truly cares about you as a person. But the best part about first grade was how fun she made learning!" Mrs. Oakeson's motto is a quote by Clay P. Bedford, "You can teach a lesson for a day, but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives." This is truly the legacy she leaves with all the students who are lucky enough to have her as their teacher, the spark of curiosity and love of learning that she helps to ignite.
Mrs. Oakeson has taught for 21 years, 19 of those in Nebo School District. She has taught third grade, first grade, and is currently our school's ESSER teacher working with small groups of students from kindergarten through fifth grade in an intensive reading intervention. Her coworkers praised her for her energy, organization, and willingness to go above and beyond for all students. Penny is often seen helping out all over the school with a smile and a kind word. Billi Robbins, the current administrator at Taylor Elementary, stated, "Mrs. Oakeson radiates a passion and a zest for learning that is reflective in her commendable achievement data. Penny Oakeson is a key player in the collaborative culture of learning that exists at Taylor Elementary. She productively supports and collaborates with her colleagues offering sound advice that will undoubtedly transform instruction and support. Penny has high expectations for herself, colleagues, and especially students. She is a strong advocate for students and their success. Her ability to connect to her students and her talent as a teacher is superior."
This is a well deserved award for an amazing educator. At Taylor elementary we have a saying, "Taylor Means Family!" Taylor is so lucky to have Penny Oakeson as a longstanding member of our Taylor family.