SMS teacher wins prestigious UI award

SANDPOINT — Middle school teachers are 12-year-olds in disguise, said the University of Idaho’s Thomas O. Bell teacher of the year.

Sandpoint Middle School language arts teacher Jeannie Lyon was honored by the UI during a lunch Saturday in Moscow. The award is presented by the university to recognize teacher excellence in either elementary or secondary education.

“I don’t see me as getting the award — it’s Sandpoint Middle School,” she said. “We get to go to school every day.”

The award is not hers alone, she said, crediting co-workers and an unique SMS setting that allows teachers to collaborate with one another in a way that adds depth and breadth to their teaching.

Lyon is a seventh-grade teacher and third-generation educator who began her teaching career 30 years ago in Bonner County.

A University of Idaho graduate, Lyon started college in pursuit of a theater arts degree. However, after being asked by a local school psychologist to work with a group of struggling students, she finished her stint at UI with degrees in teaching and theater.

She brings a theater flair to her teaching style with funny accents, the swish of a hand and dance steps that create connections with students.

“Jeannie has an instructional style which reflects combining extraordinary teacher knowledge with actively and purposefully engaged students,” wrote Judy Hull in a nominating letter.

Hull, the Lake Pend Oreille School District curriculum director, started her teaching career as an elementary school teacher at the same time as did Lyon.

Her vehicle often is the last one in the school parking lot and frequently can be seen their during the weekend, said Deb McShane, SMS vice principal and literacy coach.

“Jeannie is inside, bundled in a sweater and boots, concocting strategies to teach curriculum so irresistible each student will be pleading, more, more,” McShane wrote.

“Jeannie is a gentle leader at Sandpoint Middle School, infusing a sense of optimism and high purpose into each activity,” she added.

In today’s social environment, SMS is sometimes the most secure place for a student to be, Lyon said.

“They need love more than a first grader,” she said.

When adults see adolescents, often their vision does not see the person beneath the long hair and outlandish clothing. Lyon said. They tend to view the students with fear, which the kids find painful, she added.

After beginning her career at Kootenai Elementary School in 1983, she still loves going to work every day.

“I love my job because I love looking at their smiling faces,” said Lyon during Wednesday’s gathering.