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H-BC staff repeatedly used the words “above and beyond” to describe the 2020 Hills-Beaver Creek School District Teacher of the Year and Friend of Education.
Teacher Megan Klumper and paraprofessional Lexi Moore were recently honored during Teacher Appreciation Day last month.
They were recognized again May 22 at the H-BC outdoor commencement, which they did not attend, due to the pandemic social distancing measures.
Megan Klumper is Teacher of the Year
Klumper is a fifth-year English teacher at H-BC High School in Hills.
“Megan goes above and beyond for all her students,” read her nomination form.
“You will see her offering extra support to her students before school, during prep and study hall, and after school. It is evident that her students see her as a teacher they can trust and come to with questions.”
A college class turned the former psychology major toward a teaching career.
“I took an Introduction to Education class and knew that I had found my place,” Klumper said.
She hasn’t forgotten about adult learning either, as her peers regularly turn to her for tips to incorporate technology into the classroom.
“Megan also goes above and beyond in the technology area of teaching,” the nomination form stated. “She has helped pave the way for effective distance learning by offering her support in these areas as well.”
Klumper, who has been teaching for 15 years, said she turned to the computer platform “Schoology” to enhance student learning.
“Assignments are never lost, and we are saving on paper,” she said. “Also, I can give students feedback way faster than when I was correcting a pile of papers every night.”
Schoology became the go-to delivery tool for H-BC when distance learning began in March and lasted through the end of the school year in late May.
Klumper frequently experimented with the new ideas learned at workshops or from her online research.
“When lessons become tedious, the students don’t learn as well,” Klumper said. “Trying new ways to learn makes the lessons more interesting and engaging for the students and for myself.”
This fall Klumper added adviser of the school’s Mock Trial team to her resume.
“When the previous coach said she was retiring, I knew that H-BC had to keep Mock Trial going for those students.”
Under her tutelage, the team won a first match, the first win in several years for the school, announced secondary principal Molly Schilling at a recent school board meeting.
Lexi Moore assists in all media needs
Lexi Moore’s broad media interests led her peers to recognize her as the H-BC School District 2020 Friend of Education.
Moore is a paraprofessional at both H-BC elementary and secondary schools, beginning in the position seven year ago. She oversees both school libraries and teaches computer to kindergarten through sixth-grade students located in Hills and Beaver Creek.
Moore also assists with a variety of other student activities including elementary yearbook, district newsletter, grades 3-5 Horizons program, elementary positive behavior interventions and supports team, and next year the middle school robotics team.
“Mrs. Moore goes above and beyond her role as a paraprofessional,” read the nomination form. “She creates lessons for our students and also helps in a variety of ways throughout both buildings. Also, she’s always more than happy to assist in any project.”
The improvement of reading skills is Moore’s primary focus.
“It is an incredible feeling to help young students to find a series (of books) that turns on their love of reading. One week they hate it and suddenly ‘BOOM,’ they are hooked,” she said. “I also really enjoy helping my older students cultivate what type of reader they will be.”
H-BC students also learn basic technology skills from Moore.
“Computer class with my youngest students is a blast. They are easily amazed by the ‘magic’ a computer has to offer,” she said.
Her co-workers have noticed the impact Moore has with students.
“She is always more than happy to assist with projects … not only with help, (but) she always seems happy and excited about it. Mrs. Moore seems to truly love the district and, more importantly, all the kiddos in it.”