05/02/08 - Paula Moan Named 2008 Wirtz Excellence in Education Award Winner

It is really difficult to surprise some people, but the Lincoln Elementary staff pulled it off this past week to one of their own. During an all-school assembly, it was announced that Paula Moan, literacy teacher at the school, has been named as a winner of the 2007-2008 Wirtz Award for Excellence in Education.

The Wirtz Award was established in the memory of William Wirtz, Alfa White Wirtz, and Jeann Sohner Wirtz; for whom education in the DeKalb community was a lifelong interest and commitment. The award is intended to encourage those high standards of innovative achievement that bring quality to a public school system, and vitality to a community. It is made available annually to recognize the distinguished service of outstanding individuals who raise young people’s sights or who promote a program or organization that lifts students’ sense of human values and purpose. Moan will receive a $500 honorarium as a recipient of the award.

In nominating her colleague, Sally Smoltich stated, “Paula works endlessly to strive for the highest quality of education for the students she serves. She is dedicated to reevaluating and refocusing the planning and resources for all her students so they may excel to the best of their ability.”

A parent at Lincoln, Diane York says, “Her professionalism, dedication, and compassion for her students help bring out the best in each student. [She]is not afraid to work with innovative ideas, change what is needed, and differentiate instruction for each student.”

Cristy Meyer, principal at Lincoln Elementary said of Paula Moan, “Her passion for reaching and teaching all learners is the cornerstone of her strengths. Her instruction is data driven and her lessons engage her learners. Children are becoming stronger and stronger readers,” added Meyer.

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