On May 7, the door to Nancy Mahoney’s classroom opened, a crowd of people moved in and congratulated her on being named ‘Teacher of the Year? by the Clarkston Foundation. Mahoney has taught math since 1990, in Clarkston since 1995.
As in years past, Mahoney was presented with her award in a surprise ceremony in the middle of one of her classes. She was nominated by CHS Principal Janice Meagher.
The Outstanding Teacher Recognition program alternates between teacher categories every year, with the 2005-06 recipient being a Secondary Teacher in Grades 6-12. Mahoney was one of 10 teachers nominated this year.
Besides teaching various math subject to students in grades 9-12, Mahoney acts as a mentor to new teachers. Since 1997, she has volunteered to cochair the Wolves Renaissance Club and since 1999, she has cochaired the CHS math department. In 2005, she took on the additional responsibilities of coordinating after school tutorial programing and working as an administrator for Saturday school.
Mahoney was previously nominated for Oakland County Teacher of the Year in 2003, and by Clarkston Schools in 2001.
‘Nancy rises to the surface as an educator who cares, excels in the classroom and is committed to making Clarkston High School a better place for all students. She is a leader,? wrote Meagher in her nominee description.
‘I have required new teachers to visit her classroom to observe how she interacts with her students. Nancy is a model for the rest of the staff,? wrote Meagher.
Mahoney’s devotion and hard work was not only noticed by school administrators and her co-workers, but also by her students and their families. A supporting statement for her nomination was written by Jack Shader, the father of Brett Shader, one of Mahoney’s students.
‘Nancy Mahoney has been unfailing in her support and encouragement of our son. She has been there for him after school, at her own suggestion, whenever he slipped. On Saturday mornings, when most seniors are sleeping in, he sets his alarm and goes to see her with no push from his parents. What kind of teacher can motivate an 18 year old to extend himself like this? A great one!? wrote Shader.
After the applause and commotion quieted, Mahoney was thanked by members of the Clarkston Foundation for her hard work. She took a moment to introduce her family, all of whom were present for the event.
As the shock wore off, Mahoney said she was surprised she won. She knew about her nomination ahead of time, but had not expected to win.
‘I knew I had a chance, but this will be a moment I’ll never forget,? she said.
Part of Mahoney’s award includes the free loan of an automobile courtesy of Suburban Ford of Waterford. She’ll be able to keep the vehicle of her choice for an entire year.