By Andy Klotz—
Muncie, IN– Muncie Community Schools’ has named Megan Jercha and Isaac Denniston as its Teachers of the Year for the 2020-21 school year. Jercha, a 4th grade teacher at North View Elementary, is the district’s primary Teacher of the Year (grades K-5) while Denniston, a Choir teacher at Northside Middle School, is its secondary Teacher of the Year (grades 6-12).
MCS administrators selected Jercha for her dedication and leadership as she helped develop curriculum while building a genuine rapport with students and her fellow teachers.
“I am honored to be Elementary Teacher of the Year,” Jercha said. “I have worked alongside so many great educators who have helped me grow within the profession. I appreciate my 10 years with Muncie Community Schools and look forward to the future!”
Officials chose Denniston thanks to his innovative teaching methods, including his technology skills, and for going “above and beyond” in order to give his students a comprehensive music education experience and recognition.
“I am very surprised, but also honored,” Denniston said. “It is only possible due to a very supportive administration, my colleagues and my remarkable students. They have been so enthusiastic about everything, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to teach every day!”
Pictured L-R: MCS CEO Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, Isaac Denniston, Northside Principal Eric Grim.
Jercha and Denniston were both recognized at their schools during Teacher Appreciation week last week, and will be presented with a plaque at a future district event. They will then be submitted as nominees for Indiana Teacher of the Year.
“Our district is blessed to have many remarkable teachers throughout all our schools ,” MCS Director of Public Education and CEO Lee Ann Kwiatkowski said. “Meg and Isaac are two of our best and they should be extremely proud of this distinction. They are impacting many lives.”
Each school in the MCS district named a Teacher of the Year, Rising Star, Support Person of the Year and Partner in Education. They include:
Longfellow Elementary:
Teacher of the Year – Leah Britten
Rising Star – Jaime Brimbury
Support Person of the Year – DeAnna Long
Partner in Education – Wilisha Scaife
Grissom Elementary:
Teacher of the Year – Victoria Kinsey
Rising Star – Harlee Cox
Support Person of the Year – Jenna Neal
Partner in Education – The United Way
North View Elementary:
Teacher of the Year – Meg Jercha
Rising Star – Andrew Hacker
Support Person of the Year – Eloise Wilson
Partner in Education – Mike Lewis
South View Elementary:
Teacher of the Year – Erika Pappas
Rising Star – Erin Eads
Support Person of the Year – Christy Webb
Partner in Education – 8Twelve Coalition
West View Elementary:
Teacher of the Year – Kelly Agnew
Rising Star – Morgan Lavanchy
Support Person of the Year – Amy Leitze
Partner in Education – Malinda Vannatter-Gates
East Washington Academy:
Teacher of the Year – Angela Butler
Rising Star – Chynia Parsons
Support Person of the Year – Claudia Monroe
Partner in Education – JAR Church
Northside Middle School:
Teacher of the Year – Isaac Denniston
Rising Star – Bob Rector
Support Person of the Year – Samra Deavers
Partner in Education – Meridian Health Services
Southside Middle School:
Teacher of the Year – Jewel Farris
Rising Star – Megan Mertic
Support Person of the Year – Aimee Rafael
Partner in Education – Meridian Health Care
Muncie Central High School:
Teacher of the Year – Angie Abrams-Rains
Rising Star – Jacob Buening
Support Person of the Year – Shannon Fritz
Partner in Education – GEAR UP
Virtual Learning Program:
Teacher of the Year – Melodee Motsenbocker
Rising Star – Alexis Henson
Support Person of the Year – Linda Black
Partner in Education – George & Francis Ball Foundation
Muncie Area Career Center:
Teacher of the Year – Tracy Oxley/Gina Phillips
Rising Star – Colton Cox/Whitney Powell
Support Person of the Year – Cindy Collins
Partner in Education – Nate Jones
Youth Opportunity Center:
Teacher of the Year – Hank Miller
Rising Star – NA
Support Person of the Year – NA
Partner in Education – NA
About Muncie Community Schools
Serving the local community since 1855, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) educates more than 5,000 students at six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school while also managing several other educational facilities. Through its unique partnership with Ball State University, MCS strives to maximize each student’s potential so he or she can be a positive, productive member of society. Find out more about MCS or Director of Public Education and CEO Lee Ann Kwiatkowski at muncieschools.org.
