School district names Educators of the Year

The news is out. This year’s Custer School District (CSD) Building Educators of the Year are Hallie Webster, Gordon Drew and Josephine Weekley.
Each year, the CSD takes nominations from staff members and the public for Building Educators of the Year as well as other awards. Those making nominations are asked to include a few words describing why they think a certain teacher is worthy of the award.
After nominations are submitted, a committee looks at the entries and selects one teacher from each building to be honored as the Building Educator of the Year.
In choosing an award winner, superintendent of schools Mark Naugle said, “We look at the nominations and see what points they bring out and what makes that person worthy of the award and what they’ve done to help our kids in their school. We really put a lot of stock in those nominations and the reasons why that person believes they should be honored with the award.”
Naugle personally contacted each of the Building Educators of the Year to inform them of the awards before it was publicly announced.
“They’re all three very deserving and very humble. They were all surprised to receive the award, and that’s just another reason to me why they deserve it because they go about their jobs and do the best they can every day,” said Naugle.
Hallie Webster is the Building Educator of the Year for Custer Elementary School (CES). Webster has been teaching at CES for 10 years. Currently, she teaches sixth-grade English language arts and social studies.
“The best part of being a teacher in CSD is the sense of community and shared purpose. You’re part of something bigger than just one classroom or building. It’s a network of people all working toward the same goal: helping students learn, grow and succeed,” Webster said.
Naugle initially texted Webster and asked her to call when she had a free moment. When she heard the news, Webster said she was in disbelief.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve this school district and honored to receive this award, but humbled when I personally know so many others in our building that deserve this recognition as well,” said Webster.
Gordon Drew is the Building Educator of the Year for Custer Jr/Sr High School. Drew has taught in the CSD for eight years. Currently, he is teaching biology, astronomy and geology.
When asked what the best part of being a teacher in the CSD is, Drew said, “I enjoy the students and athletes as well as the people I work with. I like the family atmosphere that has been fostered here. The four-day work week isn’t bad either.”
When Naugle told him the news, Drew said he was caught off guard but pleasantly surprised. Since the announcement was made, Drew said he has received congratulations from a huge amount of people as well as a bag of treats from the school.
“I appreciate being recognized for the time and effort I put in for the students,” said Drew. “I want to congratulate the other Teacher of the Year recipients from the other schools. They are both well-deserving. I wanted to say I work with Teacher of the Year caliber people in my building every day. I think that is why I was surprised by this recognition.”
Josephine Weekley is the Building Educator of the Year for the Hermosa School. Weekley has been teaching for seven years and completed her student teaching in Hermosa.
“I’ve just upgraded from the rookie to the person who knows how to fix the projector…sometimes,” Weekley said.
Currently, Weekley is the JK-eighth grade educational technology teacher. She said, “I get to work with every student in the building, teaching them everything from how to safely navigate the internet to how to code robots. Basically, I teach kids how to use technology responsibly, but mostly, I untangle headphone cords.”
Weekley said the best part about teaching in the CSD is the people.
“Hermosa feels like a family. The students are curious and full of potential, and the staff is supportive, passionate and just the right amount of weird. Plus, where else do you get paid in hugs and artwork?” said Weekley.
When Naugle called to tell her the news, Weekley honestly thought he was going to ask her to work on something for the district website.
“It totally caught me off guard,” said Weekley. “Honestly, I’m not one who loves the spotlight, but it’s incredibly meaningful to be recognized, especially when I know how hard so many teachers are working day in and day out. To be chosen among all of them is humbling. I’m honored and grateful…and maybe still a little suspicious that someone meant to nominate another tech teacher.”
In response to the news, Weekley’s third-grade students made her homemade cards with personalized sweet and funny poems and then read them to her. She said this was better than any certificate.
“I really believe teaching is more than a job. I’m thankful for every student I get to work with and for the chance to help them discover what they can do,” said Weekley.
Naugle said, “All three are worthy of being our Teachers of the Year for their building and to represent the district. They’re wonderful at their jobs. They’re great with kids. They are just an outstanding example of educators in our district.”
The Building Educators of the Year will get an award at the private district award night Thursday, April 24, at Crazy Horse Memorial. The Teacher of the Year and Para Professional of the Year for the school district will be announced that night as well.