Teacher of the Year

Each year the Silsbee Chamber of Commerce recognizes a “Teacher of Year.” The Silsbee Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors votes through secret ballot amongst nominations submitted from each principal within the Silsbee Independent School District. The surprise announcement is made each year at the school district’s end of the year breakfast. The Teacher of the Year is honored at the Annual Banquet.

The Silsbee Chamber of Commerce named Kirby Elementary teacher Carol Strouf the 2005 “Teacher of the Year.” Carol Strouf is a 1978 graduate of Silsbee High School. She returned to Silsbee to teach and has spent her entire career of 21 years at Kirby Elementary where she teaches first grade.

In her recommendation, principal Robbie Reeves says, “ Mrs. Strouf is a wonderful mentor for her coworkers. She is a wonderful teacher who shares her knowledge with other while continuously striving to improve and be better prepared for the students.” Reeves added that Mrs. Strouf gives 100% of herself to educating her students, and develops the “whole” child not just the academic child. I am very proud to have Carol Strouf working at Kirby Elementary. She helps create the type of learning environment, which promotes student success. Carol Strouf is a teacher who continuously gives to others while hesitating to ask for a small favor. I feel strongly when I say Carol Strouf helps enrich the Kirby faculty.”

Strouf will be recognized again at the Chamber’s 2006 annual meeting and banquet scheduled for March 9, 2006, 7pm in the Silsbee High School cafeteria.