Award-winning USD 305 teachers recently were honored by the board of education for their accomplishments.
Vickie Marcozzi, 2020 Kansas Master Teacher
Members of NEA-Salina selected Vickie Marcozzi, Oakdale Elementary art and reading teacher, as the USD 305 Master Teacher. She is one of seven Kansas teachers chosen by Emporia State University as the 2020 Kansas Master Teachers.
Marcozzi earned a bachelor’s degree in 1991 from West Virginia University. She began her teaching career in West Virginia, moved to Texas and taught there for three years before moving to Salina where she has taught since 1996.
She teaches every child as if they were her very own, and while doing so, challenges them to go beyond what they thought was possible. Marcozzi knows the importance of discovering the very limits of each child’s potential and guiding them while they ascertain what is attainable if they are willing to think, process, plan, discover, and dream. She knows that the key to this is a valuable relationship and a sense of mutual trust and respect.
Marcozzi explains, “A child will gladly work above and beyond, and even go to the ends of the earth for you if they know you care.”
Marcozzi built the Oakdale after school FLASH program to provide extra experiences and opportunities for students to benefit socially, emotionally and academically. Nearly 30 Lakewood Middle School and Central High School student ambassadors volunteer each day in the program.
A former principal described Marcozzi’s approach, “In each situation, she puts students first. In each situation, she increased parent participation. In each situation, she was innovative and considered each child to be unique.”
2020 Elementary Teacher of the Year: JaNae Basinger
fifth grade teacher at Heusner Elementary School
JaNae Basinger has been teaching in USD 305 for 11 years. She began teaching seventh/eighth reading at Lakewood Middle School and since then has taught fifth grade at Oakdale and Heusner Elementary; she will be transitioning into the Literacy Coach position this fall at Heusner. Basinger has served as a Kagan Trainer for the district, a facilitator for the Mentee/Mentor Program, served as a mentor for new teachers, worked on the Guided Leadership Team at Oakdale and Heusner, taught summer school for six summers, and supported student teachers and other students in their teacher training programs. She enjoys gardening, walking, being a foster care parent, traveling and spending time with her own family.
Basinger connects well with students from different backgrounds, grounding her interactions in a warm, kind and thoughtful manner. She truly relates with students on an emotional level and has a talent for reaching even the most reluctant.
Known for her innate ability to listen and ask questions that empower those around her, she is a leader continuously working behind the scenes to elevate others’ skills, confidence and trust. As a Kagan Coach, Basinger plans, model-teaches and co-teaches with her colleagues. She generously gives of her time and energy, volunteering whenever a need arises.
Lori Munsell, Heusner principal, said, “JaNae is honest and operates at the highest level of integrity. She exemplifies what great leaders look like and the commitment they have to children.”
Secondary Teacher of the Year: Megan Pommer
sixth grade English and reading teacher at South Middle School
Megan Pommer is entering her 16th year of teaching. After graduating from Kansas State University, Pommer taught first and fourth grades in South Dakota and then fifth grade in Wellington for one year before coming to Salina where she taught fifth grade at Coronado Elementary School. Moving away with her husband, she taught sixth grade for one year in Nebraska before finally arriving back in Salina. She rejoined the Coronado team until three years ago, when she accepted a sixth grade English position at South Middle School. Pommer enjoys shopping, traveling, and running with her dog, but most of all, she loves being a mother to her two children.
Pommer creates a safe zone for her students to learn, take risks and grow from their mistakes – while she skillfully and patiently guides them toward success. Her students know she cares about them personally and they respond in positive ways.
A former student shared, “Mrs. Pommer truly takes the time to support her students individually and meet their exact needs in order for them to not only become the best possible students, but better kids as well.”
“Megan goes above and beyond to serve those around her: students, colleagues, and friends. You will find her at the middle school athletic events and dances, or helping a team member with a new social-emotional learning initiative,” said a former principal. “She is always extending a helping hand.”