LINDA STOVALL

Mannford Elementary School teacher, Linda Stovall, has been chosen Teacher of the Year the Mannford School system announced recently.

Linda is a graduate of Central State University at Edmond, Oklahoma where she earned a B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Social Studies. She has been in the teaching profession for 19 1/2 years, and previously taught the 2nd and 5th grades before coming to Mannford.

Linda, and husband Larry, have been residents of Mannford for the last 15 years. She has also taught the 1st Grade for the last 15 years at Mannford Elementary School. Larry is employed at Hilti, Inc. in Tulsa. The couple have two children: Carmen, a 6th Grader at Mannford Middle School, and Christi, a 4th Grader at Mannford Elementary.

When asked why she decided to become a teacher, Mrs. Stovall said, "Because I love children." She had already made the decision to become a teacher by the time she was in the Fifth Grade. Her most rewarding experience? "Is being able to teach the children to read," she said.

Mrs. Stovall's co-workers are planning a special dinner for her on May 1.

Congratulations, Linda!!!

Mannford Elementary First Grade teacher Linda Stovall has been chosen as Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. Stovall, who received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Central State University, Edmond, Okla., 19 years ago, has been teaching for the Mannford Public School System for 15 years. She has a major in Elementary Education with a minor in Social Studies.

During her years of teaching first graders, who are usually in the 6-7 year old range, Mrs. Stovall said, "The most rewarding is being able to teach the children to read and seeing the 'lights' click on when they do learn."

She recalls, as a fifth grader herself, just deciding to be a teacher. "I had an excellent fifth grade teacher," she said.

Mrs. Stovall cited inconsistent discipline of children as a problem and she believes children need more loving, consistent discipline.

"One time the parents may reprimand the child and the next time, let the same incident slide. Discipline needs to be consistent. This is very difficult today as we see more cases in which both parents work outside the home," she said.

She loves children and enjoys them thoroughly. At various times, students she taught when she first started teaching, have been known to reminisce with her about their school days.

"I enjoy seeing them again, seeing how they are growing up and what they are doing. Sometimes it can be embarrassing as I can recall faces and pranks they pulled while in my class, but their names may fail me," Mrs. Stovall said.

Mannford Public School System personnel will be honoring Mrs. Stovall at the end of the year with a teacher's luncheon.

Mrs. Stovall has lived in Mannford for 15 years. She and her husband, Larry, have two daughters: Carmen, 6, and Christi, 4. The family attends Lakeview Christian Church.

Teachers of the Year are chosen by a Staff Development Committee who previously requested nominating letters from the staff for the award. Those nominated then complete personal data sheets, which include past experience, professionalism, and knowledge of subject areas.