Every year one elementary, one middle and one high school teacher is selected to represent Oxford for the ‘Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year.?
‘The Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year Awards are presented annually to honor and reward? Oakland County teachers who have achieved, through their effort and example, the highest standards of excellence in their profession,? according to the Oakland Schools website. ‘Oakland Schools has created these awards out of a conviction that a quality public education system is essential to the health and vitality of our community. We believe that encouraging excellence in education is the shared responsibility of all who reap its benefits.?
This year Matt Robydek, Rebecca Zevalkink, and Laurie Lavins were the nominees from Oxford. Robydek is a fifth grade teacher at Oxford Elementary, who Principal Jeff Brown described as ‘fantastic.?
Oakland Schools? website states, ‘Nominees must have a minimum of five full-years teaching experience.? Brown noted that Robydek was getting nominations from parents after his first year teaching, even though he wasn’t eligible.
‘He’s one of those teachers where the kids have a great time in his class, but even more importantly he’s that popular teacher that teaches them everything from the life skills of how to get along and all that to the academic focus,? Brown added. ‘He really is that total package of a teacher that really teaches a kid, everything that they need. I couldn’t say enough good stuff about him’He’s growing into that veteran teacher point in his career where he’s not just contributing to kids, but also contributes to adults. He’s a true asset to the staff.?
Zevalkink is a sixth grade teacher at the middle school. Principal Dacia Beazley described her as ‘passionate.?
‘Not only is she passionate about math, but she’s also passionate about structural strategies and making sure her students are well taken care of, Beazley said. ‘Rebecca leads the homework club twice a week for sixth graders, which consists of not only math students, but also the science students and the language art students and all of the students. They all come back to her and she has a full-room twice a week after school.?
Zevalkink is a teacher leader and a student council advisor, who, according to Beazley, is passionate about here work.
‘We are very proud at Oxford Middle School to recognize Rebecca’s years and year’s of service,? she added. ?’Ze? is truly a great teacher of the year.?
Lavins is a special education teacher at the high school.
‘She is one of our special education teachers, who is as much of an advocate as you’ll ever see or hear about anywhere from not only the students in the program, but for all students,? said Principal Todd Dunckley.
Dunckley said Lavins combines her efforts for both special education and general education students by working daily after school in the ASAP (After School Academic Program) program.
She is also in charge of the environment club at the high school and has worked as a horse trainer for the equestrian team.
‘She absolutely loves everything about Oxford High School in ways you would never imagine,? he added. ‘If you know her, she has one level of energy. Sometimes she has to stop to ask for forgiveness later and we’re okay with that, because she truly cares about the wellbeing for all.?
Other elementary nominees included Brian Luba, PE/health teacher at Lakeville, Leslie Klingensmith, first grade teacher at Daniel Axford and Stacy MacDonald, second grade teacher at Clear Lake.