Katie McLaughlin named Avon Community School Corporation Teacher of the Year

Avon, IN (July 28, 2015) – Katie McLaughlin, an art teacher shared between Pine Tree and Sycamore Elementary Schools, was selected as the Avon Community School Corporation Teacher of the Year. During opening day activities, she was presented with a special plaque and award from the Sharon Pinnick Educational Fund, (Hendricks County Community Foundation), a check from the Avon Rotary Club, a small stipend from the District, as well as a gift card from A+ Teaching Supplies and a special bouquet from Flowered Occasions. Miss McLaughlin was selected as Avon’s Teacher of the Year by a committee comprised of community members.

Miss McLaughlin was noted for incorporating technology in the classroom with stop-motion animation, photography, coding and 3-D modeling.

“Miss McLaughlin’s teaching philosophy focuses on a student-centered choice based approach,” said Dr. Margaret (Maggie) Hoernemann, ACSC Superintendent. “She encourages students to learn to think like artists to generate their own ideas and become more comfortable navigating the creative problem-solving process. She is amazing in her use and understanding of technology integration within her lesson design.”

Miss McLaughlin has taught in Avon Schools for three years. She received a bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University (Edinboro, PA) as well as her post baccalaureate certification.

The other candidates (who were previously selected as their buildings’ Teacher of the Year) included: Kristin Bolek (Avon High School); Luke Tudor (Avon Middle School North); Jim Casey (Avon Middle School South); Dru Pearcy (Avon Intermediate School East); Laura Glatz (Avon Intermediate School West); Tara Roberds (Cedar Elementary); Haley Roesch (Hickory Elementary); Robin Britton (Maple Elementary); Ruby Laux-Jacobs (River Birch Elementary); Laura Burkhart (Sycamore Elementary); and Kayla Breivogel (White Oak Elementary).

Avon Community School Corporation submitted Miss McLaughlin’s unique portfolio to the Indiana Department of Education for the state’s selection process of the Indiana Teacher of the Year award.

Avon Community School Corporation (ACSC) offers children high quality educational instruction with a keen focus on improving student achievement. More than 9,000 students are served in grades Pre-K-12 in 12 schools (seven elementary; two intermediate; two middle and one high school). ACSC operates on a balanced calendar schedule. Visit the ACSC website at www.avon-schools.org.