Will Rogers Junior High Site Teacher of the Year - Mrs. Rachel Stout 

Let's meet Mrs. Rachel Stout, the site Teacher of the Year for @Will Rogers Junior High, who teaches social studies. 

Mrs. Rachel Stout is an accomplished educator passionate about helping students achieve their full potential. She is a site teacher of the year for Will Rogers Junior High, and her commitment to the success of her students has earned her this honor.

Mrs. Stout did not initially plan to become a teacher. However, after reflecting on her high school teachers' positive impact on her life, she decided to pursue a career in education. Her experiences as a student with chronic illness and the care and support provided by her teachers inspired her to become an educator who places students' individual needs at the forefront of her teaching practice. She shared, “These three high school teachers not only took time to ensure that I was up to speed in classes; they took a personal interest in my life as well. They prayed for me, sent me flowers in the hospital, and kept up with me long after graduation. They made me feel cared for as a student and a human being. That was the kind of impact I wanted to have when I chose to pursue a teaching career.” 

One of Mrs. Stout's most important goals as an educator is to ensure that each student's individual needs are met. She works tirelessly to develop systems and interventions that give students the support they need to succeed. Her focus on social-emotional learning and community-building creates a safe and supportive environment where students can thrive. Stout practices what she preaches, working with peers to develop and implement a comprehensive system of interventions built into the school day. Stout explained, “We launched the system this year. It has allowed us to ensure that those students who need extra support can receive it immediately without missing valuable instructional time. In my classroom, I prioritize social-emotional learning and community-building. My students have a safe space to be vulnerable and voice their emotions and frustrations. They also learn to listen and empathize with others. I hope that in developing these systems, we can help all students in our school strive for and achieve higher levels of success.” 

Mrs. Stout believes that more than academic skills are needed to prepare students for success in life. She emphasizes the importance of problem-solving, communication, and emotional intelligence. She values students' voices and opinions, and encourages them to take ownership of their education. “I want my students to feel heard and valued in my classroom. Therefore, we often practice discussion and debate. Students need to be able to disagree with others respectfully, so this is a skill that we explicitly practice in my classroom. Students are encouraged to share their opinions and perspectives on course content and real-world issues. They are also encouraged to disagree with the opinions of others. However, I require that students provide evidence to support their opinions. I believe that by teaching students how to communicate effectively with others, we can ensure that our future society is more humane, empathetic, and understanding,” she continued. 

Mrs. Stout actively participates in her school's mentoring program, helping newer teachers develop new instruction and classroom management strategies. She enjoys helping new teachers develop skills and build confidence in their practice. She feels she has become a better teacher through learning from others, and the profession improves when we work together to implement what is best for all our students. 

Overall, Mrs. Rachel Stout is a passionate and committed educator who strives to positively impact the lives of her students and the community as a whole. Her dedication to individualized learning, social-emotional learning, and community-building has earned her recognition as a site teacher of the year.

Video credits:  Ariana Ashlock, Mim Hopper, Hope Mallory, Scott Joseph

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