FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- The Department of Defense Education Activity recognized the Kentucky District Teacher of the Year in a surprise classroom presentation, Monday afternoon, at Lincoln Elementary School.
Third grade teacher Kacey Toole was presented with a plaque as part of the recognition, along with hearty congratulations from her students, fellow teachers and administrators. The teacher of 17 years was surprised by her husband 31st Military Police Detachment (CID) Chief Warrant Officer 3 Wes Toole, as well as Assistant Superintendent Todd Curkendall, Instructional Systems Specialist Steve Griffin, who helped coordinate the selection process, and Linda Haberman, Lincoln Elementary's principal.
"Mrs. Toole creates very high expectations for all kids," Haberman said. "It's certainly a culture of learning in her classroom. She knows all of her students, and they respond to her. Those high expectations are apparent. She also serves as our school improvement chair. So she is our chair to help us monitor our progress and our data and work towards continual improvement."
This school year marks Toole's second at Fort Campbell, where she teaches an overview of all subjects, including science, reading and math, to her young students. Due to frequent PCS moves, she had worked both inside and outside of the DoDEA system, teaching everywhere from Georgia and Virginia to Germany and beyond.
Toole was selected as the best from among some 650 teachers in the DoDEA Kentucky District, which includes Fort Campbell and Fort Knox. The selection process rotates between the two installations every other year. This year, Toole was selected for the district honor from a small group of finalists. "I'm a little overwhelmed, because I was not expecting it at all," Toole said, of the achievement. "But it's a great accomplishment for my career, and I'm just really happy."
Teachers can be nominated by staff members, parents or students. Prior to the final district selection, nominated teachers completed an application process and were interviewed by a local panel comprised of two school administrators and a classroom teacher. Those selected to be DoDEA District Teacher of the Year go on to compete in the program wide DoDEA Teacher of the Year competition. This announcement will be made in May. The overall DoDEA recipient will compete in the National Teacher of the Year selection process as well.
Toole said there are many reasons why she enjoys doing her job, especially with the diverse group of military children at Fort Campbell.
"It's very rewarding to see the kids when they get something or when they understand it. Seeing them succeed makes me happy," she said. "… [Military children] come from so many different backgrounds. You have people coming from different countries, speaking different languages and they all come together harmoniously. We all have the same goal in mind. It's just very rewarding."
Griffin works with students and teachers at many of Fort Campbell schools. He said it is easy to see why Toole is a leading educator on post.
"… Ask yourself, 'Would you want your own child in that classroom?' With her, it's a no-brainer. Absolutely," he said. "I think she's just a wonderful teacher and she does a lot for all the kids. That's the key."
The true judgment of Toole's teaching ability is best stated by her students. Travis Turner, 9, enjoys Mrs. Toole's math lessons, and he said he is "out of this world" excited that she won such a big honor.
"She's the best teacher in the world," he said.
Fellow third-grader Reed Branch said one experience he remembers the most from this year in Mrs. Toole's class is completing science projects. He said she has helped him out a lot this year.
"I even wrote a letter about her saying that she should be the Teacher of the Year," the military child said.
AWARD Finalists
Kacey Toole, DoDEA Kentucky District Teacher of the Year, was one of five finalists at Fort Campbell. Toole teaches third grade at Lincoln Elementary School.
Other finalists:
Beth Miller, Barsanti Elementary fifth grade teacher
Jeannie Purdue, Barkley Elementary special education teacher
Amanda Tejkowski, Barsanti Elementary kindergarten teacher
James Waack, Barkley Elementary second grade teacher
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