“Being named the Teacher of the Year for the state has brought so much energy to my school and my classroom,” Fox said. “I share this award with all of my amazing colleagues at Mt. Pleasant Elementary because I am inspired and motivated by them every day.”
Each of Delaware's 19 school districts selects a nominee who inspires students with a love of learning, excels in professional duties and is devoted to teaching. The process of selecting Delaware's Teacher of the Year is demanding with in-class observations and portfolio reviews and a final consideration of finalists by an independent panel. Representing Delaware, Fox now is entered in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
Fox graduated from UD in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, is a National Board Certified Teacher in early childhood education and also has received gifted and talented teaching certification. She said about her alma mater, “UD holds a special place in my heart. I strongly believe it is the foundation I received in the University of Delaware's early childhood department that has made me the teacher I am today.”
Michael Gamel-McCormick, interim chairperson of the Department of Individual and Family Studies, remembers her well and taught her in classes while she was an undergraduate. “Courtney was a very strong student in the early childhood and education program,” he said. “She was in the dual-certification track where she earned eligibility for certification in early childhood education, from birth to kindergarten, and primary education, from kindergarten to fourth grade.
“Courtney's selection as Delaware Teacher of the Year highlights the importance of high-quality early childhood education and the importance of working with families and communities as we support our youngest children to achieve their best possible outcomes,” Gamel-McCormick said. “Courtney's achievement emphasizes how important it is to have an holistic understanding of children, their needs and their family needs.
“I want to offer my congratulations to Courtney for putting into practice the developmental curricular and family knowledge she was exposed to at UD to serve the young children with whom she works. I hope that during her tenure as Delaware Teacher of the Year that she is able to inspire other teachers and soon-to-be teachers.”
Fox's skills as a teacher have been previously recognized--she received a Superstar in Education Award from the Delaware Chamber of Commerce, an Excellence in Education Award from MBNA, received a Character in Education: Promising Practices Award and is listed in Who's Who in Education.
Fox is active as an educator outside of the classroom, as well. She has trained K-1 teachers in new assessment procedures for statewide consistency; has served on the Brandywine School District Language Arts Committee; consults and trains teachers nationally in Responsive Classroom Approach; is a mentor with the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards and also is a lead mentor for the Brandywine School District.
As Teacher of the Year, Fox will represent all Delaware teachers and will speak to community groups, business leaders, legislators and educational organizations. “I am excited about what this year will bring and am looking forward to traveling around the state and country to learn about other successful programs, as well as share what has worked for me,” she said. She added that she is looking forward to meeting the president, and her students are trying to figure out how they can be chosen to be her guest when she goes to the White House.
In recognition of her achievement, Fox was honored with a $5,000 grant to use for the educational benefit of her students and two personal grants, plus several other awards, and was recognized by an editorial in the Wilmington News Journal.
Article by Sue Moncure