Jason Bousman
Jason Bousman, a seventh grade language arts teacher at Phoenix Middle School, was presented the Werbel Award for outstanding teaching at the district convocation Aug. 29.
Bousman’s peers nominated him for the award, which recognizes teachers who help, motivate, encourage, like and respect all students.
“High expectations are the norm in (his) classroom and the growth students make is what every teacher aspires for,” said Delavan-Darien Foundation member Sarah Logterman, who presented the award.
Bousman has taught at Phoenix Middle School since 2000.
Logerman also noted that Bousman “is a teacher who works tirelessly to provide (his) students with rich literary experiences on a daily basis. (He) extensively researches strategies before implementing them into their classroom and is willing to share successful implementations with (his) colleagues.”
Bousman was recognized for teaching all children, beginning with where they are at and then taking them as far as possible up until the last minute of the school year. He is also an important building leader in the areas of literacy, curriculum development and intervention, Logterman said.
About the award
The Werbel Award was established by Dr. and Mrs. Harold J. Werbel more than 30 years ago to recognize outstanding teachers for their contributions to the profession of teaching. This award is rotated among the elementary schools, Phoenix Middle School and Delavan-Darien High School each year. The Werbel Award winner is nominated by his/hers peers based on the following criteria:
- A teacher’s interest in helping his/her students in and out of class;
- A teacher who doesn’t stay in the same “mold” year after year, who changes his/her methods and materials to fit changes in the field, but at the same time does not go off the deep end;
- A teacher who tries to motivate students, to encourage them to participate as fully as possible in the classroom, as well as encouraging them to do outside work with help as needed;
- A teacher who likes young people; who likes to work with young people; who respects young people, always treating them as individuals;
- The award can be given to the same teacher more than once but not in two consecutive years.
