TCU math and art teachers named Teachers of the Year

 

The senior class of TCU High School has voted and named its math and art teachers as TCU’s Teachers of the Year.

 

Math teacher Ted Doyle and art teacher Tony Barnack were announced at the high school’s Honor’s Night on Wednesday, May 22.

 

Earlier in May, all students in grades 9 to 12 had nominated a staff member. Each staff member who received at least five nominations was then put on a ballot. Through a ballot process, the senior class cast their votes, with Doyle and Barnack receiving the same amount. Other nominees included Agriculture teacher Barry Schmidt and English teacher Matt Flugum. 

 

Doyle is in his 16th year of teaching in Montgomery. Before that, he taught in Norwood-Young America for three years. 

 

Barnack has been teaching in Montgomery for 11 years. He has also taught art and computers in Emmons for five years. 

 

Part of the qualifications to be nominated, require staff member to advise one extra-curricular activity or group outside of the classroom. In his first eight years at the local school district, Doyle directed both the one-act and three-act plays. He also coached junior high Knowledge Bowl for two years before moving to senior high Knowledge Bowl for the past 13 years.

 

Barnack is the ARTeam advisor, and this spring he also coached the throwers on the track and field team.

 

Doyle said he is honored to be chosen as teacher of the year with Barnack, and they both complimented all of the teachers in the district.

 

“We have many incredible teachers at TCU, and to be chosen from among them means a lot to me,” Doyle said. “There are also many talented and hard working students, which make the job a lot of fun. Hats off to the senior class, and best of luck to all of them as they pursue their dreams.”

 

Barnack was surprised to hear that his name was the other half of the tie.

 

“When (senior class president) Mitch Vosejpka announced that they had a ‘tie’, I figured it was between Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Doyle since they had won the previous three years. I cannot honestly remember a time where I have been that surprised,” he said. “It is very nice of the students to take time to nominated teachers and for the seniors to recognize them during their honors night. As a parent here, I know there are many great teachers in the school district!”

 

Barnack and Doyle will receive a personal plaque and their names will be placed on a plaque in the high school. 

 

The Teacher of the Year award was started by Montgomery-Lonsdale High School senior class of 2007. They created the award as a way to recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of teachers they have gotten to know over the years.