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Lenz Teacher Chosen as Nevada PTA Teacher of the Year
Reno, NV (May 6, 2011) - When Lenz Elementary School teacher Cheryl Raybourn received the Nevada PTA Teacher of the Year award at the organization's annual convention this past week, it was no surprise to her colleagues, who call her one of the most positive educators they know.
"Cheryl Raybourn is a fantastic teacher," Lenz Principal Teri Vaughan said. "She ensures that her students grasp and master all concepts. She gives real-life examples, re-teaches when needed, has students talk through problems and constantly gives praise and encouragement. Cheryl insists on higher level thinking by having her students discuss how they arrived at an answer or thought. Her students are lucky to have her as their teacher."
The Nevada PTA recognizes outstanding individuals who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to their local PTA organization. The Teacher of the Year award is given to an educator who promotes parent involvement in the classroom and the school. Every PTA in the state is invited to nominate a teacher of their choice.
Raybourn has been teaching in the Washoe County School District for 22 years, all of them spent at Lenz Elementary School. She heads a marathon club in which students run about 1.3 miles around the Lenz neighborhood every week and parents also show their support by walking or running with their children. Recently, she organized the I Run for Maison Celebration Run in honor of her former student Maison Ortiz, who passed away in January following a snowboarding accident.
"I was deeply honored to receive the award and read the letters my colleagues, parents and students wrote," Raybourn said. "I was especially honored because the Ortiz family was present at the award ceremony. We had more than 850 people come out to the run and raised more than $13,000."
As a result, the money generated through the run went toward to a memorial in Maison's name at the Lenz library.
Lenz's PTA president Kelley Miner, who also will serve as vice president of programs for the Nevada PTA's 2011-13 term for its Board of Managers, nominated Raybourn. Miner said more than 30 letters were submitted in support of Raybourn.
