AHS Teachers Honored for Excellence

Teachers Are Like Bass Players

Many teachers love to see their students succeed, but what does it mean to be successful? A millionaire? Politician? Professional athlete? For James Webb, a mentor teacher at Ames High School, success is simply “progressing toward autonomy. As teachers, often times our greatest success stories are not the ones making headlines but the ones who have overcome tremendous personal challenges to become independent, free-thinking adults.” 

On Friday, October 9, Webb encouraged teachers at the Iowa Council of Teachers of English conference to share their own student success stories with others when he was presented with  the organization’s Distinguished Service Award. This award honors a teacher who has made significant contributions to students, the teaching profession, and ICTE.

Webb described most teachers’ role as supporting students much like a bass player supports the band. Webb explains, “In music, no one knows who the bass player is in the band. I’ve never minded, though, because a bass player’s role isn’t to be the center of attention; rather, it is to make everyone else in the band sound better. Teaching is the same way: it’s not about us. We measure our success not by the recognition we garner but by the lives we change. We exist to make our students ‘sound’ better.”  Not only does Webb help his students to “sound better” but he has also supported ICTE as a member of the executive board, conference committee co-chair, and frequent presenter at the annual conference. His willingness to share his experiences and expertise with other teachers around Iowa is a demonstration of his willingness to support other teachers around the state.

In Ames, James has supported the high school English department as the department chair, focusing on creating a strong curriculum and studying quality instructional practices.  In addition, he has provided building leadership for MTSS and QILT. His service to the English teaching profession also shines through in his willingness to mentor practicum students, student teachers, and teachers new to the building and the profession.

Although part of his message to teachers last Friday involved shying away from the spotlight to promote student achievement, James’ service to this district, ICTE, and the English profession deserves recognition. Congratulations, James - enjoy a moment in the spotlight!

A Passion for Supporting Students
As a young girl, DeAnna Tibben enjoyed playing school with her two younger sisters. It wasn’t always apparent, however, that she wanted to be a teacher when she grew up. Her mom was a teacher, but as Tibben recalls, “Of course no one wants to be what their mom is when they are younger.”

Despite those early feelings, DeAnna did indeed follow in her mother’s footsteps. For the past 22 years, DeAnna has been a science educator, including the last 16 at Ames High School. In that time, DeAnna has come to understand what it means to be a teacher. “A great teacher is someone who is willing to be a risk taker,” she explains. “Someone who is passionate and willing to give their extra time to their students.”

On Monday, September 21, her passion, risk-taking, and concern for her students was recognized at the ICTM-ISTS and Science conference in Des Moines. Tibben was awarded the 2015 Outstanding Service Award which honors teachers who have made extraordinary contributions to ISTS and/or to science education at the state or national level. Of this honor, DeAnna says she was “really surprised.” For her, the greatest reward of being a teacher isn’t honors like these. Rather, she values her students. When former students visit or send her a message about where they are now and how they have used the knowledge they gained in her classroom to pursue their dreams, she knows she’s had an impact.

Congratulations, DeAnna, it’s apparent to us you were meant to be a teacher, and the Ames School District is fortunate to have you on our teaching staff.