Pleasant Union's 2007-2008 Teacher of the Year

Peggy Blocker

I have been teaching for 18 years.  I have taught in four states, Arizona, Texas, Colorado and North Carolina.  I have taught first and second grades, kindergarten and of course reading.  This is my 6th year at Pleasant Union as the reading specialist.  I love teaching young children to read.  It's not often that you find a job that allows you to teach someone a skill that they will use for the rest of theirs lives, everyday of their lives.  I feel fortunate that I have the opportunity to do what I do each day.

 

My second love next to teaching children is animals. I have 2 labs at home.  They are what my husband and I referred to as our "fur kids".  I love all kinds of animals and I devote much of my time away from school working with and for the rights of animals.  I also enjoy movies, concerts and traveling. My family has been to all 50 states except for Alaska and Hawaii, which we plan to take Hawaii off the list next year.

 

I am so honored to have been chosen teacher of the year.  Pleasant Union has so many dedicated, wonderful teachers on their staff. I love working with the students, teachers and parents.  There no better job, than touching the lives of our future.

Pleasant Unions 2007-2008 Teacher Assistant of the Year

Susan Miles

I’ve worked for WCPSS for only 1 ½ yrs. Which is why I was totally shocked that I got TA of the year…how did that happen?! I applied to be Kay Fox’s TA after my daughter, Sierra, had her in Kindergarten. I really loved being a parent volunteer in Mrs. Fox’s room (and at Pleasant Union). As a result, I was anxious to apply for the TA job left vacant by Mrs. Keith (Mrs. Fox’s former TA). Although my degree is in Elementary Education (SUNY Plattsburgh, NY), my past careers include being a Senior Technical Writer for UPS and PeopleSoft Software (through a contract company). After having Sierra, I became a Professional Mom with a home-based business sewing home décor.

Creedmoor, NC has recently become our hometown. We plan to build a new home on 10 beautiful acres. We are fortunate to have family as neighbors and get to watch some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. It’s a wonderful retreat after all the excitement of Kindergarten.

I’m so honored to have the TA title this year. I truly love working with Mrs. Fox and the children. They bring me such joy and smiles. Not many people can say that they love going to work every day…but I can!

 

Coach McLean named Wake Counties 2006 Physical Education Teacher of the Year

The Pleasant Union 2004-2005 Teacher of the Year, Coach Ed McLean is a legend in the history of basketball in Wake County. Coach McLean has had an outstanding career. He coached basketball at Broughton High school where he coached all Americans like Pete Maravich, Billy Williams, Joe Perry, Mike Warren and Phil Spence. He was also the Athletic Director at Broughton High School from 1976-1981. From Broughton he moved on to Assistant Basketball Coach at NC State and won two ACC Championships and an NCAA championship. He then became Head Coach at Sanford University, Head Basketball Coach at Sanderson High School, Assistant Coach at NC Central and finally Teacher of the Year at Pleasant Union Elementary. On Friday, October 7, 2005 he was inducted into the Broughton High School Hall of Fame. He was honored for his coaching practices and for his love of the game of basketball which he has passed on to "too many to count."! In August he was announced Wake County's Physical Education Teacher of the Year. In the words of Mr. Biles, "Coach McLean is an outstanding physical education teacher who, after forty four years of working with youth, has the enthusiasm of a recent college graduate. He provides innovative instruction that motivates and challenges students to do their very best." We honor Coach for providing quality our students with a quality physical education program.

 

Lavonda Mark wins American School Councelor's Association Award

 

Congratulations to Lavonda Mark, School Counselor, on having her guidance program recognized by the American School Counselor’s Association as a model program (RAMP).   The RAMP award is the highest award counseling programs can achieve and currently only 2 other Wake County Elementary Schools have earned this recognition.   Mrs. Mark’s accomplishments will be acknowledged at the American School Counselor’s Association’s National Conference in Denver, Colorado on June 25, 2007.   In addition, Mrs. Mark is a National Board Certified Counselor and was named Wake County Elementary Counselor of the Year in 2004.