Four district teachers named Outstanding Beginning Teachers
Posted on 01/28/2021
Four Mehlville School District teachers were named Outstanding Beginning Teachers by the Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE). All recipients must be in their first or second year of teaching and are nominated by their college.
Of the 59 teachers being recognized across the state this year, four teach in Mehlville School District: Olivia Cox, kindergarten teacher at Blades Elementary School; Joseph Lawson, math teacher at Oakville Middle School; Anissa Quilling, choir teacher at Mehlville High School; and Daniel Wangler, science teacher at Oakville High School.
Olivia Cox - Blades Elementary School
Olivia Cox is in her second year teaching kindergarten at Blades Elementary School after graduating from Missouri Baptist University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She wanted to become a teacher because she admired the work her mom did as a teacher and wanted to make a difference in the lives of students.
“Not only am I passionate about teaching kids to read and learn new ideas, but I love getting to know my students,” said Cox. “Part of being a successful educator is being able to build relationships with students. I want to be an advocate for them, and I will always be their number one supporter.”
She has accomplished that goal since becoming part of the Blades Bobcat family.
“Olivia has shown tremendous work ethic and goes above and beyond for her students,” said Dr. Jeremy Booker, Blades Elementary principal. “She takes chances, learns from classroom experiences, works hard every day, seeks out learning opportunities, and, most importantly, has a genuine love for her students.”
Joseph Lawson - Oakville Middle School
Joseph Lawson is in his first year teaching at Oakville Middle School after graduating with a degree in middle childhood education from Missouri Baptist University in 2020.
“I wanted to be a teacher because I enjoy helping people,” said Lawson. “There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing the lightbulb come on for students as they gain understanding and learn to apply the concepts you’re teaching them.”
Lawson has quickly become an important part of the Oakville Middle family by finding ways to relate to his students and the staff.
“Mr. Lawson makes math relevant, fun and connects lessons to everyday, real-life situations,” said Mike Salsman, Oakville Middle principal. “His positive attitude and student-centered approach have made him a great addition to the OMS staff.”
Anissa Quilling - Mehlville High School
Before taking over the choir program at Mehlville High School, Anissa Quilling received her bachelor’s degree in music from Murray State University and Master of Arts in Teaching from Lindenwood University.
“My goal as a teacher is to reach young people,” said Quilling, who is in her second year at MHS. “Everyone should feel like someone is in their corner and that someone truly cares about their well-being and supports them in their journey.”
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Quilling has been coming up with innovative ways for her students to continue to perform and showcase their talents.
“Anissa brings so much energy to her classroom, builds positive relationships with her students and helps them grow as singers and musicians,” said Jason Landherr, Mehlville High principal. “When I visit her classroom, I can see how much she cares for her students and the choir program.”
Daniel Wangler - Oakville High School
Daniel Wangler began student teaching at Oakville High School in spring 2019. He was hired full-time at OHS after graduating from University of Missouri - St. Louis with a degree in secondary education.
“I love getting to know the students, working together and having fun while doing it,” Wangler said. “I try to go to several sports games a season to cheer them on and support them beyond the classroom. They are why I wanted to teach and why I love teaching.”
This year, Wangler has been helping students at OHS and those across the district enrolled in Mehlville@Home.
“Mr. Wangler brings a fresh, innovative approach to learning,” said Tamara Sunkett, Oakville High principal. “His relatability to students and his ability to make science interesting and relevant for them has led to his students’ success.”