Rookie of the Year
Starting in 2021, Pattonville School District began to name two staff — one teacher and one support staff employee — as the recipients of the Rookie of the Year award. The awards recognize staff who are in their first or second year in the district for their hard work and dedication to Pattonville's students.
Process
- Students, staff, family members and people from the Pattonville community nominate staff for the Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year programs.
- Eligible staff who are in their first or second year in the district will automatically be put in the running for the Rookie of the Year award.
- Using the submitted nominations, a committee of their peers will select one teacher and one support staff to be named Rookie of the Year.
- Those honorees will be surprised in April and recognized during District Appreciation Night in May.
Eligibility
All staff who are eligible for the Teacher and Support Staff of the Year awards and are in their first or second year in the district are eligible for the Rookie of the Year award. Staff who are selected as the Rookie of the Year are not eligible to participate in the program in the future, but can participate in the Teacher and Support Staff of the Year Program in their third and later years if eligible based on all other criteria.
Learn more about the Teacher and Support Staff of the Year programs.
Current Honorees
Teacher Rookie of the Year
Stephanie Appel, Math/Reading Interventionist at Bridgeway Elementary School
Stephanie Appel, a math/reading intervention teacher at Bridgeway Elementary School, was selected as the district’s Teacher Rookie of the Year for her outstanding dedication and approach to student success. Appel is committed to continuous professional growth, regularly updating her knowledge of the latest math research to provide the best possible support to her students. She has already implemented strategies from “Building Thinking Classrooms,” a book with research-based practices for effective math instruction, and a new fact fluency program, ensuring that her students have a solid foundation in math.
Appel came to Pattonville in 2023 with 12 years of teaching experience in the University City School District. She has a bachelor’s degree from Maryville University and a master’s degree from Fontbonne University and is certified in both early childhood and elementary education. She actively collaborates with classroom teachers to align her work with their instruction, ensuring a cohesive learning experience. She is particularly known for her ability to connect with her students, fostering their confidence and celebrating their successes.
“She is so intentional in what she says to student to build their confidence,” teacher Sarah Eckels-Galbreath said.
Beyond her daily teaching responsibilities, Appel often takes time out of her plan period to support students individually. This commitment has contributed to significant growth in her students’ skills and self-assurance.
Support Staff Rookie of the Year
Pamela Davis, Paraprofessional at Willow Brook Elementary School
Pamela Davis, a paraprofessional at Willow Brook Elementary School, was selected as the Support Staff Rookie of the Year due to her unwavering dedication and proactive approach to supporting students and staff. She was previously an alternative education teacher at a high school in Farmer City, Illinois, before moving to St. Louis and joining the Willow Brook family, where she has been a committed asset to student growth and success. Paraprofessional Rhonda Daniels shared about a time when Davis noticed a few math students struggling with certain concepts after working with a small group.
“She went to the teacher and asked if she could tutor those students individually so they would not feel self-conscious during math time,” Daniels said. “She wanted to help them build up their self-confidence.”
Davis has also demonstrated her commitment to the school community by painting the new paraprofessional room almost entirely on her own, creating a welcoming and vibrant space for staff. She is known for always checking in on colleagues to ask how they are doing and offering assistance wherever needed.
“We love having Pam at Willow Brook,” Daniels said. “She is a true team player.”
Brent values giving kids a space to talk about what is on their mind, helping them figure out what they need to feel successful and developing the strategies to do so. She prioritizes building relationships with students and their parents/guardians to build success for the whole family.
Honor Roll of Previous Recipients
Teacher Rookie of the Year
2021 — Kelsey Hibbits
2022 — Kyle Schaper
2023 — Holly Kopp
2024 — Andrea Daud
Support Staff Rookie of the Year
2021 — Reem Tahsin
2022 — Tomi Benney
2023 — Stepany Dominguez
2024 — Jody Brent