Staff Development and Recognition
Special Award for Excellence in Teaching

This award is an annual highlight for educators in the Lawrence district.

Known affectionately as the “Bobs’ Award” (in addition to their community leadership and appreciation for excellence in education, the benefactors who first established the award in 1997 all shared the first name Bob), this gift is presented to a teacher who exemplifies extraordinary instructional skills; who reflects commitment to quality education and dedication to teaching; who focuses on individual student achievement; who guides each student to achieve his or her full potential; and who is proficient, caring, adaptable and professional.

Other Staff Development and Recognition Initiatives:

 

2008 Special Award for Excellence in Teaching

This year’s recipient is Deb Engstrom, Lawrence High School special education teacher.

Deb is resourceful, innovative and positive each day she comes to work, and she is a strong voice in the building. I have often stated that if I were to start a school from scratch, I would begin by trying to hire Deb to work with me,” said Lawrence High Principal Dr. Steve Nilhas. “Many students know her not just as a teacher but as someone who is truly interested in their lives and activities. Her influence reaches well beyond the halls of LHS as she is likely to be in attendance whenever there is an athletic event, concert or play.”
Engstrom earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa. She taught in Manhattan schools for eight years prior to joining Lawrence Public Schools. This is her 19th year at Lawrence High School, supporting students with special needs who receive special education services.

Special Award for Excellence in Teaching “Bobs Award” Recipients

Year Teacher School

2008

Deb Engstrom

Lawrence High School

2007

Sherry Vratil

Wakarusa Valley Elementary School

2006

Mary Chapman

Free State High School

2005

Kathleen Wagner

West Junior High School

2004

Paula Barr

Hillcrest Elementary School

2003

Kathy Rathbun

Langston Hughes Elementary School

2002

Brian “Chip” Anderson

Central Junior High School

2001

Pam Bushouse

Free State High School

2000

Dr. Victoria Beals

South Junior High School

1999

Sue Siegfreid

Woodlawn Elementary School

1998

Gary Webber

Southwest Junior High School

1997

Val Howland

Broken Arrow Elementary School

 
   
               
 

Lawrence Schools Foundation 110 McDonald Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66044 Phone 785-330-2790