Five Jackson teachers receive chamber's educator awards

Andy Helle is "addicted to the light bulb," the moment when his students understand, that "aha" moment when they get it.

"You can see it almost as a light bulb illuminating above their head," said Helle, a science teacher at Jackson High School, in a video presentation highlighting exemplary Jackson teachers.

Helle was one of five teachers honored Thursday night in the 2011 Jackson Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year awards. More than 100 members of the area education and business sector attended the chamber's annual awards banquet at the Jackson Knights of Columbus hall.

Helle was named high school educator of the year. The others were:

* Becky Loenneke, a math teacher, received the junior high/middle school educator of the year award.

* Kay Vangilder, a first-grade teacher at Orchard Elementary, earned the elementary school educator of the year distinction.

* Scott Vangilder, band teacher at Jackson schools, was named the specialty educator of the year.

* Tina Sides, a language arts teacher at Immaculate Conception School in Jackson, received the private school educator of the year honor.

The educators have nearly 100 years of combined teaching experience. Vangilder, who says he's in his 31st -- and last -- year in education, counts following his students' progress over the years among his greatest joys in education.

"I've watched them grow and develop, not only as musicians but as human beings," Vangilder said.

The award recipients are nominated by their peers. The chamber's education committee makes the final selection.

Award winners receive gift baskets, with cash and prizes, valued at about $500, donated by chamber members. State Reps. Billy Pat Wright, R-Dexter, and Donna Lichtenegger, R-Jackson, presented resolutions honoring the educators for their service.

Jackson Chamber of Commerce executive director Brian Gerau said the annual recognition is designed to let Jackson-area teachers know that their hard work is appreciated.

"They are teaching our future, and without them we're not going to advance as Jackson, as an area, as a state, as a country," he said.

mkittle@semissourian.com

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