Joanne Kefalas Named Novi Schools 2010 Teacher of the Year

At the June 3rd Board of Education meeting.Novi Middle School, Special Education teacher, Joann Kefalas, was named Novi Community Schools 2010 "Teacher of the Year". As an added bonus to this high honor, the Suburban Collection presented Joann with a free one-year lease on a new vehicle.

Each year a teacher is selected for this high honor, that instills a love of learning in all students, establishes high expectations in the classroom, has a strong sense of integrity and professional ethics, is willing to learn and try new teaching techniques, is dependable, has a positive attitude and has a strong knowledge of curriculum content, instructional methods and child development. Joann exhibits all of these traits at a very high level.

Joann has taught special education at the high school and middle school level for 15 years. Prior to teaching in Novi, Joann taught for many years in the Clarenceville School District where she was also selected as a Teacher of the Year. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Western Michigan University and her Master's Degree from Wayne State University.

Joann was nominated by Middle School Special Education teacher, Susan Bank. Susan states that Joann's room is a welcoming place for students. She puts families at ease and assures them their students will get the best educational opportunities at the Middle School. She adds Joann is a master communicator to students, staff and parents. Noah, one of Joann's students, says she greets me with a smile on her face, motivates me to do my best and helped me change for the better.

Malista!