Teacher of the Year

Independence School District Teachers of the Year were honored at a breakfast Thursday March, 7.  Sarah Schraml of Santa Fe Trail Elementary School was named the district’s 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year.  Sarah was selected by a panel of judges from the Independence community.

Sarah Schraml is a native of Independence. She was a Benton Elementary School student and later graduated from William Chrisman High School.  Her principal says Sarah Schraml's passion now is to give back to the Independence School District and inspire colleagues to go above and beyond for students to positively impact the community.

Mrs. Schraml was the Chairman for Character Education and helped Santa Fe Trail institute the first Dr. Bob Award given to recognize loyalty to a school community partner.   Sarah took the focus of the Character Education Committee to a high level of outward giving by organizing a school wide service learning project in which the school collected over 10,000 aluminum tabs.  These tabs were donated to the Ronald McDonald House in support of cancer victims.

Her principal says Mrs. Schraml is a leader in the district.  Last year her strategic role as a team leader contributed to the huge growth Santa Fe Trail students made in scoring advanced and proficient in Communication Arts, Math, and Science.  Mrs. Schraml understands and communicates the dedication it takes to help all students succeed in their learning.  Mrs. Schraml has willingly volunteered for two years to serve as a building mentor to new teachers at Santa Fe Trail.  Most importantly, she encourages her colleagues to problem solve and do their best in educating and serving children through adversity and triumphs.

Congratulations to all 27 Teachers of the Year

Building winners who received golden bells and plaques for their schools include:

Desiree-Dawn Ashton         Thomas Hart Benton Elementary School

Laurie Cadwell                       Bingham Middle School

Lisa Siron                                 Blackburn Elementary School

Jacque Thompson                Bridger Middle School

Sarah Stegeman                     Bryant Elementary School

Terry Parker                           William Chrisman High School

Virginia Koehn                      Fairmount Elementary School

Joe Armin                               Glendale Elementary School

Jeana Williams                      Hanthorn

Mike Smith                             Independence Academy

Julie Bover                             Korte Elementary School

Chrissy Taylor                      Little Blue Elementary School

Cheryl Phillips                      Luff Elementary School

Kari Morken                          Mill Creek Elementary School

William Harrahill                Nowlin Middle School

Colleen McKinney              Christian Ott Elementary School

Deanne Pence                       Pioneer Ridge Middle School

Cari Teter                               Procter Elementary School

Leah Fitzpatrick                  Randall Elementary School

Sarah Schraml                      Santa Fe Trail Elementary School

Angie Lester                          William Southern Elementary School

Kimberly VanMeter           Spring Branch Elementary School

Paula Jensen                         Sugar Creek Elementary School

Sharon Redding                   Sycamore Hills Elementary School

Tilia Thomas                         Three Trails Elementary School

Becky Schubkegel               Truman High School

Jenny Becker                        Van Horn High School