POST FALLS, Idaho – Troy Pottenger, a health and physical education teacher at River City Middle School in Post Falls, has been named the spring 2015 recipient of Lewis-Clark State College’s Outstanding Educator Award. Pottenger was recognized by staff members of LCSC’s Teacher Education Program at an awards ceremony at the middle school on Friday.
Pottenger was nominated by students at River City.
“My biggest inspiration is Mr. Pottenger,” wrote a student in one of the nomination forms. “Every day he walks into school ready to teach with a smile on his face. Right away you can just tell he enjoys his job. He makes you feel good about yourself even when you are not having the best day. Being taught by him encourages me to learn and want to be successful.”
“Mr. Pottenger has taught me how to be a better person,” another student’s nomination form read. “When I need help or have a problem, he is always there to help and support me. He knows how to make students understand things, not just memorize them. Mr. Pottenger is one of the best teachers any student can have. He is more than just an educator.”
The award, which recognized Asotin music teach Shawn Bowman last fall at its inaugural event, was established to recognize individuals for their contributions to P-12 education. The honorees are individuals who have provided outstanding service to the cause of education through their dedication, creativity, initiative, service, inspiration, and contributions to the improvement of education.
Nominations are not limited to teachers, but may include administrators, paraprofessionals, aides, secretaries, custodians, food service employees, playground monitors, etc. Only nominations by P-12 students are accepted. A committee of three practicing teachers and two members of the Teacher Education Program choose the winner from submitted nominations.
For more information about the Outstanding Educator Award program please contact Heather Van Mullem at [email protected] or 208-792-2781.
Photo: Pottenger holds award alongside students and PACE Supervisor Melinda Thompkins