Marquette Area Public Schools’ top teachers and support staff are honored during the Monday MAPS Board of Education meeting. From left are Scot Stewart of Bothwell Middle School, 6-12 Teacher of the Year; Margie Jeevar, Bothwell, Support Staff Person of the Year; and Ben Posey, K-5 Teacher of the Year. (Journal photo by Christie Bleck)

MARQUETTE — Marquette Area Public Schools honored some of its top employees Monday night.

Recognized at the MAPS Board of Education meeting as top teachers and support staff for the 2018-19 school year were Ben Posey of Cherry Creek Elementary School, K-5 Teacher of the Year; Scot Stewart of Bothwell Middle School, 6-12 Teacher of the Year; and Margie Jeevar, also of Bothwell, Support Staff Person of the Year.

“I’m surrounded by amazing staff and students that really make what I do possible every single day,” Posey said.

Cherry Creek Principal Travis Smith said he first met him when Posey was a student in the class he taught at Northern Michigan University in the winter of 2014.

“As a student at NMU, Ben chose a career in education over a career in medicine and hasn’t looked back,” Smith said. “Though he is in the early stages of his career, he has earned the distinction of being the person I count on to be the administrator in charge when I’m out of the building.”

Posey was nominated for the honor by Tanya Sprowl, MAPS Native Education coordinator, who wrote: “Ben is a special education teacher at Cherry Creek who goes above and beyond his role as a teacher. He uses very creative techniques to adapt to his students’ needs. This includes not only a hands-on teaching approach and the use of visuals and technology, but also being a role model for the students.”

Stewart was nominated by the seventh-grade team and several former BMS teachers, who wrote: “Scot has been influential in the careers of his fellow teachers and instrumental in making Bothwell the amazing place it is to teach and learn. He is an incredible person who will go out of his way to help any of his colleagues or students.

“He is locally renowned for his expertise and passion. People have said, upon seeing his classroom, that he has the most creative classroom that is filled with artifacts from ancient civilizations, rocks and minerals and geodes from millions of years ago, as well as information about wildlife and nature.”

Stewart credited his fellow staff as well as his pupils.

“I have the honor of teaching some of the most amazing kids in Marquette,” Stewart said.

Bothwell teacher Rachel Barker nominated Jeevar, an instructional program aide.

Barker said in her nomination: “Her positive attitude, calm demeanor and willingness to do whatever will most help her students are unparalleled.

“She is flexible and able to flow with the ever-changing needs of students, teachers and administrators. Her dedication, compassion, effort and positivity make her an exceptional paraprofessional.”

Jeevar also gave a nod to her co-workers.

“I couldn’t do it without you each and every day,” Jeevar said.

Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.