Jan Alderson

Overland Park, KS | YEARS TAUGHT: 1969 - Present

Jan describes herself and her life as “Eat. Sleep. Teach – that’s me. She believes that creativity and leadership are the core ingredients to sustain the “magic” of science for both students and teachers.
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
  • 2011      Burroughs Audubon Outstanding Educator Award (Greater Kansas City Chapter)
  • 2009      Sister Mary Rockers Excellence in Teaching Award
  • 1997      Mid-America Education Hall of Fame
  • 1991      Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Science Teaching (PAEST)
  • 1986-87      State Awardee for Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Science Teaching
  • 1985      Missouri alternate for NASA’s Teacher in Space Program
  • 1978      Outstanding Missouri Conservation Educator (Conservation Federation of Missouri)
  • 1975      Outstanding State Science Teacher Award (Missouri Academy of Science)

Cindy Couchman

Buhler, KS | YEARS TAUGHT: 1990 - Present

Cindy admits that she teaches mathematics, but over the years, she has realized that she teaches students much more than that. She teaches them to believe in themselves, to work hard, and to be nice. In fact, that is her personal motto: “Be nice, for everyone you meet has a battle going on.” Mrs. Couchman’s accomplishments in education stem from her desire and drive to be the best math teacher FOR her students, to create the best math department FOR the high school, and to become the best high school FOR the state of Kansas.
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
  • 2012      Lowell Milken Center Fellow
  • 2010      KSU College of Education Alumni Fellow
  • 2009      Finalist -Presidential Award for Excellence in Math/Science Teaching
  • 2009      National semi-finalist, NEA Foundation Horace Mann Excellence in Education
  • 2009     Kansas Teacher of the Year
  • 2009     Kansas NEA Excellence in Education Award
  • 2006     National Board Certification

Marguerite izzo

Malverne, NY  | Years Taught: 1977 - Present

Marguerite's philosophy of education is what she knows to be true in her heart and what is supported by research: when treated with respect and having confidence in their abilities, students grasp the material being taught much more readily. Mrs. Izzo believes that the most productive relationship between a student and a teacher must be open, honest, and respectful. Teachers must see themselves as the chief learner in the classroom, modeling curiosity and perseverance.
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
  • 2013      Lowell Milken Foundation Fellowship
  • 2011      Named Teacher Representative, US Official Delegation, International Summit on the
                   Teaching Profession
  • 2007      New York State Teacher of the Year
  • 2005      Malverne School District Teacher of the Year

gary koppelman

Blissfield, MI | Years Taught: 1973 - Present

Gary believes that the art of teaching is creative and requires lifelong learners who make a positive impact on the community in which they live as role models. Mr. Koppelman also believes that giving and inspiring children with resourceful academic tools to accomplish and fulfill their life’s aspirations is an integral part of his responsibility as a teacher.
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
  • 2013      Shell Science Teaching Award - National Science Teachers Association/Shell Oil
    ​               Company
  • 2012      Special Tribute Teacher Award (State of Michigan)
  • 2009      Great Lakes Green Energy Award
  • 2008      Walter P. Chrysler Co. “Closing the Gap in Education Award”
  • 2004      Golden Apple Teacher Award (Channel 24 TV, Toledo, Ohio)
  • 2003      Special Tribute Teacher Award (State of Michigan)
  • 2002      Educator of the Year Award (Phi Delta Kappa, Lenawee Chapter #1460)

Dr. Rebecca A. Palacios

Corpus Christi, TX | Years Taught: 1976 - 2010

Rebecca wanted to be a teacher ever since she was a little girl of three. Her love of learning and love of teaching have been a part of who she is throughout her life. Dr. Palacios explains that she is the facilitator of children’s learning and that teaching is a process that combines what needs to be taught with ways that make learning engaging and part of the learner.
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
  • 2013      Lovely Billups Lifetime Achievement Award (Texas American Federation of
                  Teachers)
  • ​2006, 2009      Lifetime Achievement Award Finalist (HEB Grocery Stores)
  • 2006      “Everyday Hero” (American Federation of Teachers)
  • 2005      Latin American Council Labor Association Outstanding Teacher Award​
  • 2000      Corpus Christi Association for Bilingual Education “Bilingual Teacher of the Year”
  • 1997      “Educator of the Year” (Alpha Delta Kappa)
  • 1997      National Board Certified Teacher
  • 1994      State Master Teacher
  • 1987      First “Teacher of the Year” in the Corpus Christi Independent School District
  • 1987      Founding Director, NBPTS