CLMS Honors Cassidy Butler of Winston Churchill Middle School as 2010 State Educator of the Year
Cassidy Butler Named Educator of the Year

Cassidy Butler, of Churchill Middle School in Carmichael was honored at the CLMS Annual Conference, February 26-28, 2010 in Sacramento. The CLMS "Educator of the Year" award is given annually to educators who exemplify educational excellence and have made significant efforts to implement elements of educational reform in the middle school.M.

Jim Shoemake, Prinicpal of Churchill Middle School said in his nomination letter to CMLS “Cassidy is exceptional in many ways, but three instantly come to mind; her leadership skills, her “Middle School Awareness”, and her exemplary personal characteristics. Cassidy’s leadership skills are best demonstrated to me in her work as our sites AVID Coordinator. In two short years she has built an AVID program on our campus that is vibrant, growing, and successful.”

As the AVID coordinator, Cassidy provides targeted instruction in life, organization and study skills to students who will be the first in their families to attend college. She has devoted the past two years to building a vibrant, expanding and successful AVID program that is now certified by the county office of education – a first for the school. A veteran teacher, she mentors new English and humanities teachers each year and has been instrumental in helping those departments solidify their pacing and common assessments. Cassidy also provides exemplary teacher leadership through her service on the school’s site team and International Baccalaureate site team.

“As my site’s AVID coordinator, I’m able to reach out to students who need extra support academically or emotionally and make a difference in their lives.” Cassidy stated in her acceptance speech. She continued “In middle school, we have the opportunity to work with students when they are the most vulnerable. And it’s not always easy. This is the period of life when parents sometimes mistakenly believe that they should allow their child more freedom, and back off from parenting. This is the period of life when the negative influences of peers can lead our students astray. This is the period of life when students publicly rebel against adult supervision and secretly long for someone to watch over them and care.”

Jim Shoemake added “In addition to her exceptional leadership skills, Mrs. Butler has a great “Middle School Awareness”. Her lesson plans are state standards driven; her voice and example has helped the English and Humanities departments solidify their pacing and common assessments; and she works hard to implement effective teaching strategies within her classroom. Most importantly, her approach with middle school kids is guided by her wisdom and her heart. Her calm demeanor and thoughtful approach are a welcome aspect to school. Cassidy knows when to push, and when to pull; when to coach, and when to console; when to praise and when to redirect.”

The following characteristics were considered in the judging nomination; Leadership Characteristics: Dedicated; innovative; exhibits professional collegiality; enthusiastic; proactive, Middle School Awareness: Supportive of middle school movement; demonstrates middle school concepts; committed to and uses principles of Caught in the Middle, Turning Points, Taking Center Stage and/or other middle school documents; incorporates State Frameworks and Standards, Exemplary Characteristics: Demonstrates beyond the job responsibilities; acts as role model; demonstrates ability to motivate students from diverse backgrounds; other unique abilities and/or contributions.

Cassidy concluded; “I see my role in middle school as to be the bridge that helps guide students over the turbulent creek of early adolescence to safety on the other side as a young adult.”

Shoemake also noted “While Cassidy’s leadership skills and “Middle School Awareness” are notable, it is her exemplary personal characteristics that are most impressive. Her dealings with students, staff and parents are friendly and effective. As a veteran teacher Cassidy has been very helpful in mentoring our new English and Humanities teachers from year to year. Regardless of background or age, Cassidy has an uncanny ability to make a person feel welcomed and respected.”