My husband...

This year, Chris was voted Teacher of the Year at his school, Parsley Elementary.  Although this is a really big deal in itself, he had to step out of his comfort zone and prepare a portfolio to compete with the other TOY's in the County.  While proof-reading his papers, I knew he had it in the bag.  I've always known that he's really good at what he does.  You can see it in the way the kids adore him.  He's never wanted to be that PE Teacher that just rolls some balls out into the room while he just watches.  He looks for new games, integrates all the other things from the classrooms that the kids are learning and he's just awesome at what he does.  I hear it from parents, kids, and people he works with.  He's always the one to lend a hand when someone needs help and never complains about when he's put out and has to make different plans at a moment's notice.

Sure enough, after reading his papers in his portfolio, he was chosen as one of the lucky ones to move onto the panel interview for the County.  Although the panel was filled with so many backgrounds, he won them all over.  At the banquet on June 8th, as soon as the presenter started reading her letter, we knew he was the winner for the Elementary Teacher of the Year.  But when they announced him as the County Teacher of the Year, I was beyond proud.  I love that the panel looked beyond the fact that he's a resource teacher and realized that what he does is just as important for the kids.  I've always known it and it's so rewarding to realize that others see it as well.

Not only does he get a new car to drive for a year, he was given so many gifts from local donors.  Now, he gets to move onto the regionals and then State.  I know that no matter what happens, he will continue to be the most awesome teacher that he has always been.

Chris, if/when you read this, I want you to know that there's no one who's more proud than I am.  I love that you're finally getting the recognition that you so deserve!