Bullard named teacher of the year

By Brian Johnson

Nevada Daily Mail

Ask her students and peers why Cindy Bullard won the Teacher of the Year Award and the answers are numerous -- she somehow manages to make math fun, she gets to know her students and she tries to make less stressful what is considered by many a tough class.

In other words, she cares about her profession and her students.

"I was very surprised and it was an honor," said Bullard, who teaches at Nevada High School. "Nevada has some very terrific teachers. It was an honor to get nominated and win."

Other teachers in the community are named teacher of the year, but this one is special because it's the one that's selected by other teachers and students.

The process of becoming teacher of the year is a long and difficult one, said Joyce Ryan, who teaches third grade at Truman Elementary and was last year's teacher of the year.

First, it all starts with a nomination by fellow teachers. Teachers Alana Gayman, Cathy Ketterman and Peg Miller were the ones who nominated Bullard for the award.

If the teacher chooses to go further in the process -- not all do -- he or she will have to fill out an application, answer some general questions and talk about his or her teaching philosophy.

"My philosophy is that if they can learn math they can learn anything," Bullard said. "I try to keep the class lively -- math isn't everyone's favorite subject."

After filling out the application, the nominee gets questioned by a representative from the student body, the school board, the Community Teachers Association and a fellow teacher.

"It was very stressful," Bullard said. "Walking in I was nervous, but then I became relaxed and it became a joyful experience."

During the interview, the committee gives points on good answers. Whoever comes out with the highest point total becomes teacher of the year.

"It sounds simple," Ryan said. "But it's a tough process."

Bullard beat out 13 teachers from the Nevada School District. When she won the award, the first people she thanked were her students.

"I love my students," Bullard said. "Every day is different and every lesson is different thanks to them."