photo by: Contributed photos

From left, Amanda Lovett, of Schwegler Elementary School, and Shari Flakus, of Billy Mills Middle School, are the 2020 elementary and secondary teachers of the year, respectively, in the Lawrence school district.

Despite school buildings being closed for the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Lawrence school district was still able to surprise two teachers with its annual awards.

The district in recent news releases announced Amanda Lovett, of Schwegler Elementary School, and Shari Flakus, of Billy Mills Middle School, as the 2020 elementary and secondary teachers of the year, respectively. Along with the recognition, the teachers were given $1,000 each.

Because of the pandemic, the teachers were informed that they won the award during online video conferences with their colleagues.

Lovett, a fourth grade teacher, is in her 15th year with the school district. She taught at Pinckney Elementary School for nine years and is in her sixth year at Schwegler. During her second year of teaching, Lovett earned the Lawrence Elementary Horizon Award, which honors an exemplary novice educator.

photo by: Contributed photo

Amanda Lovett

Jared Comfort, principal of Schwegler, said that Lovett personified dedication and passion.

“Her students know Mrs. Lovett loves them,” Comfort said. “They also know what is expected as they define and discuss their learning targets, essential questions, big ideas, and success criteria as a class. Put simply, Mrs. Lovett strives for the best for each and every one of her students.”

Flakus, an AVID teacher, is in her 24th year with the school district, and 32nd overall in education. As an AVID teacher, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, Flakus helps seventh and eighth grade students become college and career ready by teaching them organizational skills and strategies and by helping them receive additional academic, social and emotional support.

photo by: Contributed photo

Shari Flakus

“Mrs. Flakus is fantastic at getting students engaged, exposed to new experiences, and most importantly, to love learning about life after high school,” said Billy Mills Principal Keith Jones. “Her greatness as a teacher is seen in the respect she receives from her peers, the passion she displays in the classroom daily, and in the kids who come back to see her after they leave Billy Mills. She represents what it means to be a life-time learner and an advocate for all kids.”

The school district selects teachers for the award annually, which then puts them in the running for the Kansas Teacher of the Year program. The district also displays framed photos of the winners at its Educational Support Center, which is part of the district’s offices at 110 McDonald Drive.