The Oxford School district has once again selected its best and brightest staff to serve as nominees for the Oakland Schools Teacher of the Year award.

Each of the 28 school districts in the county selects three teachers at the high school, middle school and elementary levels to be nominees for county Teacher of the Year at their respective level.

The three county-wide winners will be announced in late March or early April.

However, all the district nominees will be recognized April 30 during a special event at the Oakland Schools administrative building in Waterford.

Each school in the district has selected a staff member to serve as its 2017-18 nominee.

Instrumental Music Teacher John Hill was chosen as Oxford High School’s Teacher of the Year.

Hill has been with Oxford since 2013. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Musical Education and a Master of Music in Music Performance from Central Michigan University.

Hill, who received the same award around ten years ago while teaching in Holly, said he was glad to receive this nomination.

“It was an unexpected surprise and a huge honor,” said Hill. “It blew me away… I am lucky to be part of the Oxford community. It’s great to be able to work with the kids, the parents and with such an amazing staff. I’m honored to have been recognized and I look forward to many, many years of serving the great community of Oxford.”

At Oxford Middle School, sixth-grade Science Teacher Andrew McDonald was selected as Teacher of the Year.

McDonald joined the district in August 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and sports medicine from Central Michigan University and Level-two International Baccalaureate (IB) certification.

“Andrew is student-centered. He strives to be better every day, which we talk about this all the time at Oxford Middle School (OMS),” said OMS Principal Dacia Beazley.

At Clear Lake Elementary, fourth-grade teacher Jennifer Trombly was nominated to receive the award.

Trombly joined the district in August 2011.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in education from Wayne State University and a master’s degree in reading and literacy from Marygrove College.

“Mrs. Trombly is passionate about kids. She places a high priority on establishing a classroom culture that will empower students to be their best. She encourages her students to set goals, provides meaningful feedback that will help them as a learner and sends the message that it’s okay to make mistakes because that’s how you learn,” said Clear Lake Principal Brad Bigelow. “She also makes a conscious effort to understand her student’s learning style so that her lessons will meet the needs of her students.”

At Lakeville Elementary, fifth-grade teacher Ryan Wasmund was selected. He has been with Oxford Schools since 2007.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary education from Oakland University.

Lakeville Principal Kristy Gibson-Marshall described Wasmund as “one of the most caring people you’ll ever meet.”

“He turns his weaknesses into strengths… He takes those things that weren’t in his wheelhouse and makes them his strength and really works on them and it benefits the kids. He is so passionate about our students. He truly connects with them and truly cares about them… He goes above and beyond to make sure the kids have everything they need and he’s always there to help kids and their families find the resources they need, even if it’s heating and cooling or other outside resources. He truly wants to see each child come into his class being their best self,” said Gibson-Marshall.

At Daniel Axford Elementary, second-grade teacher Tammy Dasbach was selected for the award.

Dasbach has been with the district since August 1997. She holds a Bachelor of Science in education from Western Michigan University, is endorsed in early childhood by Oakland University and holds level one- and two- IB certifications.

Daniel Axford Principal Chad Boyd said that Dasbach’s colleagues at Daniel Axford have often described her as a patient and positive person who always strives to continue learning and growing.

At Oxford Elementary, fourth-grade teacher Shanie Williams was selected.

Williams joined Oxford Schools in September of 1998.

She holds an associate of arts in child development, a Bachelor of Arts in physical education, health and recreation; along with a Master of Arts in special education and a Doctor of Education in administration leadership. She is also IB certified.

“Her greatest strength is that she really enjoys and does a great job with some pretty difficult kids. Even kids who aren’t in her classroom, she goes out of her way to make friendships and connections with some other kids that probably need that the most,” said Principal Jeff Brown about Williams.

The Leonard Teacher of the Year is third-grade teacher Amanda Carcone.

Carcone joined the district in August 2003.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Michigan State University, a Master of Arts in curriculum and teaching and a level-one IB certification.

“Amanda has a tremendous rapportwith her students, but holds very high expectations for learning and the way students conduct themselves. This combination really helps bring out the best in kids. Her classroom is a wonderful learning environment where kids are happy and feel respected,” said Leonard Principal Paul McDevitt.

Basia Ostrowski, a full-time high school student mentor at Oxford Virtual Academy, was nominated by OVA and Oxford Schools Early College (OSEC) staff.