Fifth-grade teacher named Hopkins Teacher of the Year
May 21, 2015
Jamie York dreamed of being a teacher, even as a young child. York, a fifth-grade teacher at Ellen Hopkins Elementary, has been named the 2015 Hopkins Teacher of the Year.
“My first- and second-grade teachers made lasting impressions on me, and I was fortunate to have many inspiring teachers throughout my education,” York said. “I went into college feeling certain there was no career more gratifying then working with children as a teacher.”
York worked hard to achieve her goal of being a teacher. She has an associate’s degree from Bismarck State College, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Minnesota State University Moorhead, and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis. During college she sought out opportunities to help support a career in education, including working as a community home counselor for emotionally disturbed children, as a home care provider for children with special needs, as a teacher aide at a Montessori school, and as a tutor.
York has taught fifth grade for Moorhead Area Public Schools since 1999 at Robert Asp School, Riverside Elementary and Ellen Hopkins Elementary. She is also an EXCEL Jumpstart Summer School and after-school teacher for grades 3-5. Previously, she was a reading and study skills tutor for grades 4 and 7 at Riverside Elementary and Moorhead Junior High, a paraprofessional and a long-term substitute. York has served on the building leadership team, district science committee and district math committee.
“All through the years I’ve been teaching, I’ve felt it essential to develop positive, respectful relationships with every student, their parents/guardians and my teaching colleagues,” York said. “I believe that every child in my class must feel safe, respected, encouraged, supported and appropriately challenged to thrive in our learning community.”
According to Ryan LaDage, principal at Hopkins Elementary, York is one of the most caring and dedicated teachers he has known.
“She takes the time needed to make positive relationships with her students and builds a trusting and open classroom environment,” he said. “She puts in many hours and much effort at developing learning experiences for her students and refuses to let any student fall through the cracks or simply slide by.”
York believes in educating the whole child, focusing on social, emotional and academic needs. She uses morning meetings at the start of every day, character education integrated through read alouds, discussions and collaborative problem solving to help students gain the skills they need.
“I strive to build a community of learners who are enthusiastic and engaged in the learning process,” York said. “I use a variety of approaches in instruction because everyone learns in their own way and time. Over the years, I’ve found that the most meaningful learning experiences are those in which students can be actively involved. I want my students to be able to apply the information they’ve learned to what is relevant in their own lives and the world around them.”
LaDage also describes York as a teacher leader in the school.
“She is open to trying new things, cooperative to work with, and guiding for our new teachers,” he said. “She defines what it means to be a professional educator.”
“To improve student engagement and achievement, I’m continually striving to learn more and am evolving my teaching methods to better meet the needs of 21st century learners,” York said.
She appreciates the professional development opportunities and collaboration with her peers.
“Working in professional learning communities has been productive, and I value the insights that have emerged from focused discussions,” York said. “I also like to share what I’ve learned, developed or experienced with others, and I am always open to trying new methods, strategies or techniques others have found to be successful with their students.”
York is honored to represent the staff at Ellen Hopkins Elementary. “I love working with people who are truly passionate about teaching and are committed to being positive influences in young people’s lives.”
Photo caption: Jamie York, fifth-grade teacher at Ellen Hopkins Elementary School and 2015 Hopkins Teacher of the Year, introduces elements of character development and self-worth during a read aloud.
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