Nancy Reeves of New Holland is the 2019 Teacher of the Year for State Board of Education District 10.

Recognized by the Ohio Department of Education as a Master Teacher, Reeves also is noted by colleagues for her strong classroom skills and rapport with students, parents and other teachers.

The East Clinton Middle School social studies teacher is a longstanding member of her school leadership team. Colleagues say she also encourages others entering the teaching field by welcoming to her classroom both student teachers and students who may want to pursue teaching.

Her middle school colleagues have chosen her as East Clinton Teacher of the Year twice. She also was named the 2018 American Legion Teacher of the Year for her American Legion Ohio district.

Reeves and 10 other regional Teacher of the Year awardees each have the chance to be named the 2019 Ohio Teacher of the Year this fall.

“Teachers are at the forefront of Ohio’s charge to create bright, exciting futures for our students,” said Paolo DeMaria, Ohio’s superintendent of public instruction. “The Ohio Teacher of the Year program recognizes inspiring educators who elevate our public education system and ensure real world success for our students.”

The Ohio Department of Education invited school districts in State Board District 10 to nominate teachers for the regional award. State Board of Education District 10 Representative Nick Owens worked with a committee of educators, parents and business leaders to select Reeves.

“Nancy Reeves has spent more than 27 years in public education, helping enrich the lives of thousands of students through her innovative, experiential learning approaches,” Owens said. “Nancy is a true servant leader in the East Clinton School District and is very deserving of this special recognition.”

“By creating lessons to engage and inspire students to own their learning, Nancy has shown a growth mindset that has gotten encouraging feedback from her students and the community,” said Robbin Luck, East Clinton Middle School principal.

A panel of education and community stakeholders will select the 2019 Ohio Teacher of the Year. That educator will represent the Buckeye State in the National Teacher of the Year selection sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers.