Complete with sideburns, jumpsuit and a few ‘baby, babies,? Paint Creek Elementary School said ‘Thank you, thank you very much,? to one of their own last week.
Learning Resource Center (LRC) teacher Maureen Schabel was named Lake Orion Community Schools? Elementary Teacher of the Year at a surprise ceremony on Feb. 12.
‘It was a sneak assembly,? Schabel said. ‘I was totally shocked.?
Schabel taught at Lake Orion High School in the past and has been at Paint Creek since the school opened in 2000. She taught fifth grade before moving to the LRC.
‘She’s always there for everybody,? Principal Beverly Tepper said. ‘She helps the children believe in themselves.?
Tepper added that Schabel will now represent Lake Orion Schools at the county level.
‘She’s an excellent representative and one that we’re proud to have represent us,? she said.
During the assembly, Tepper read excerpts from letters that were submitted on Schabel’s behalf.
Among the letters was one from some of Schabel’s current fifth grade students (as transcribed by Administrative Extern Kathy McMinn.
‘She expects us to be responsible for our actions and our homework, and is always there to support us in our problems,? they said.
The current students joined past students, parents and other staff members in writing letters of support.
‘The key to her success is her deep compassion and kindness toward all who pass through the door,? wrote one parent. ‘She has a constant smile and sincere desire to help any way she can.?
Teacher Molly McIntyre, whom Schabel trained at Paint Creek, echoed those thoughts.
‘As a teacher, she always has her students? best interests in mind,? she said. ‘As a colleague, I totally respect her opinion.?
‘I feel like I’ve been very lucky,? McIntyre added. ‘To get paired with Maureen was a godsend.?
Schabel said the whole day was a bit overwhelming, to say the least.
‘I feel like I’m having an out-of-body experience,? she said. ‘It’s very humbling. I feel like it’s going to make me work harder.?
An avid Elvis fan, Schabel was greeted by an Elvis impersonator during the assembly, to the delight of her students.
She said the kind words were very touching, especially from the parents, since she doesn’t interact with them on a daily basis like she does with her students.
‘It makes you feel like maybe you are making a difference,? she said.
In addition to her work with the LRC, Schabel is an active member of the teacher’s union and started a recycling program at Paint Creek.
After teaching at various levels, she said she went back to special education at the elementary level because it’s where she ‘feels the most helpful.?
‘Elementary education is what education is truly about,? Schabel said. ‘Learning how to read and do math.?
Tepper said the students are equally glad that Schabel is back where she belongs.
‘She’s the third teacher from here and we’ve only been open for seven years,? Tepper noted. ‘We’re kind of excited about that.?
Next week: The High School Teacher of the year is announced. Come back to see who it is.