Shippensburg Awards Outstanding Teachers for 2017-18

Two educators from Southern York County School District are the most recent recipients of the ‘Outstanding Teacher Award’ for 2017-18, sponsored by the Shippensburg University School Study Council. Southern Middle School English teacher Karen Sloan and Southern Elementary School 4^th grade teacher Marianne Swade will be honored with the award at a luncheon at Shippensburg University in November 2017.

“This is the 19^th year in a row that Southern York County School District has had at least one teacher selected for this prestigious award,” Superintendent Sandra Lemmon said. “Congratulations to Karen Sloan and Marianne Swade, who are well deserving of this award.”

Sloan started in the District as a long term substitute at Shrewsbury Elementary School. For the past 18 years, she has taught at Southern Middle School as an 8^th grade English teacher.

“It is a great honor to receive this award,” said Sloan. “My passion for teaching English has hopefully provided my students with the highest quality of education possible. I share this award with my current and former students: their energy and determination has encouraged me to help them become outstanding young adults,” she said.

Sloan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Lock Haven University and her Master’s of Education degree from Shippensburg University. She also holds a Reading Specialist certification as well as an English Secondary certification.

“Mrs. Sloan is a tremendous advocate for her students,” Southern Middle School Principal Dr. Len Reppert said. “She also continues to provide support to the faculty and staff as they look to improve their instruction and focus. We are proud of her for receiving this much deserved award,” said Reppert.

Swade started teaching in the District as a substitute teacher in 1998. She also served as a reading specialist, and she has been teaching 4^th grade at Southern Elementary School for the past 14 years.

Swade earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Pennsylvania State University. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from California State University Long Beach and a Master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of Massachusetts.

“I am truly honored to receive this award, and I appreciate the support of my colleagues, administration, and parents,” said Swade. “There has never been a better time to be a teacher. Teaching is no longer just conveying information but rather providing students with the tools and guidance to become critical thinkers and problem solvers,” she said. “It is very rewarding to be a part of that process.”

“Marianne is an incredibly caring teacher,” said Southern Elementary School Principal Jim Hollinger. “She is a well-respected leader for her instructional abilities, her talent for engaging students in innovative ways, and for providing supports to help all students to be successful and meet their goals,” Hollinger said.