Published: March 09, 2009 12:59 pm      

Grandview teacher receives leadership award

STEPHENVILLE — Mary Kozlovsky, a fifth-grade reading teacher at Grandview Intermediate School, was recently named the 2009 recipient of the Jim Boyd Instructional Leadership Award at Tarleton State University.

The award is presented each spring through the Effective Schools Project in the College of Education amd recognizes significant professional contributions made by instructional leaders to improve the educational environment in their schools.

Nominated by their peers, school board members, parents and supervisors, candidates are evaluated based on effective instruction, professional development, commitment to quality educational experiences and positive community relations. Kozlovsky, who has been teaching in Grandview ISD for four years, is in her eighth year of teaching.

“She is dedicated to children and will certainly go the extra mile to ensure her students develop not only competencies in the classroom, but also adopt her love and passion for reading,” said Kristi Rhone, principal at Grandview Intermediate School. “I appreciate the fact that Mary will take the time to evaluate her students finding strengths, weaknesses and developing an intense plan to create success for everyone.”

Grandview ISD assistant superintendent Karla Whitmire said Kozlovsky is an animated teacher who brings her lessons to life.

“She is able to stimulate both individual and group excellence. She is a secure and positive role model for all her students. Parents can rely on Mary to always act in the best interest of their children and maintain communication. If I could clone Mary, I would share her with every school in Texas.”

Brooke Cordell, a Grandview Intermediate School student, said Kozlovsky, whom they call “Mrs. Koz,” is her favorite teacher.

“Mrs. Koz is one of those teachers who has really sparked my interest of reading and writing,” she said. “She makes every one of her students feel special. And this in turn makes her very special.

“She always expects the best from us and never settles for anything less than us acting like polite young ladies and gentlemen.”

“Their successes, their stories, their excitement and laughter have not only helped to shape the person that I have become but have also provided the fuel I need each day to be the teacher I am,” Kozlovsky said. “When I’m out with family and friends and sharing stories about my students, I’m often asked, ‘Can you ever stop talking about school?’ I’ve come to realize that I don’t think I can because my students have made the difference. They have forever touched my life.”

Among other nominees for the teacher excellence award were Charlotte Pennock, kindergarten teacher at Alvarado Elementary North in Alvarado ISD, and Lisa Ross, English teacher and team leader at Alvarado High School.

Award recipients receive a cash stipend and a commemorative rocking chair.