Peggy Myers of Columbus East High School received the 2021 Edna V. Folger Outstanding Teacher Award. Myers was honored during a special presentation at Columbus East on May 20, 2021. Myers will also be recognized during the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting held in the fall of 2021.
Myers goes above and beyond in all dimensions of her life – both in and outside the classroom. She is a committed advocate for her students, ensuring they have every learning and life opportunity possible. She designs individual plans for each of her students to help them reach their learning goals and fullest potential. Along with the help of her staff, she patiently teaches social and job skills along the way.
Myers’ innovative and creative approaches teach valuable life skills that enhance independence and help her students achieve personal happiness and success. The Columbus East Coffee Cart offers opportunities for students to develop social skills by taking orders, preparing and delivering beverages, and accepting payments.
Several years ago, Myers introduced “Best Buddies,” a program that involves more than 50 students and creates integrated employment and leadership development opportunities, along with one-on-one friendships for individuals with developmental disabilities.
In addition to her classroom work, Myers is the coach for the IHSAA Unified track teams. The teams involve over 60 students and have earned national recognition receiving the Unified Champion School National award.
Myers is a warm individual, who gives selflessly of her time and resources. She has a passion for serving others with a humble, servant heart. She is active with the ARC of Bartholomew County and has served as president, vice-president, and secretary. She presents at state and national conferences, freely sharing her professional knowledge, expertise, passion, and skills with colleagues.
Myers was nominated by a former Columbus East High School student who was so inspired through her interaction with Myers that she is now majoring in special education at Ball State University.
About the Award
Edna Folger set the early standard for teachers. In her honor, Arvin Foundation originally established the award, which was designed to raise awareness about the immeasurable influence teachers have on their students and to recognize the image of teachers as important community role models.
Sponsored by SIHO, the Community Education Coalition, and the IUPUC Center for Teaching and Learning, the award includes a stipend and a personal award from the Center for Teaching and Learning. The recipient’s name will be added to a permanent plaque located in the Columbus Learning Center. Any full-time, elementary, or secondary teacher or educator working in a Bartholomew County public, private, or parochial school is eligible to receive the annual award. Classroom, special education, or specials teachers; certified educators; counselors; and administrators are all eligible.
For more information about the Edna Folger Outstanding Teacher Award, contact Marsha VanNahmen at the IUPUC Center for Teaching and Learning via email at mvannahm@iupuc.edu or by phone: 812-375-7576.