Croft Teacher of the Year 2008
Congratulations our newly elected Teacher of the Year, Linda Kuykendall. Ms.Kuykendall has taught 7th grade mathematics here at Croft for the past four years and has been a member of the teaching profession for 33 years. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Kuykendall serves as Croft's math chairperson and for the past two years has been selected by her colleagues in seventh grade to represent them on Croft's Leadership Team. Previous to joining the Croft faculty Ms. Kuykendall worked for many years at McMurray Middle School. She is well known in the Overton Cluster and has been highly regarded by parents and students in this area for years. The teacher of the year is chosen each year by the faculty and staff of the school and it is considered to be the ultimate honor to be so recognized.
Croft Teacher of the Year 2007
Zuri Mason
Hello! My name is Zuri Mason and I am teaching 6th grade Social Studies and Advanced Reading this year. This is my fourth year at Croft, and my seventh year with Metro Schools. I am originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, and I moved to Nashville to attend Tennessee State University. There, I was a member of the world renowned "Aristocrat of Bands" while pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Also while at Tennessee State, I became a member of the esteemed Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
After graduating from TSU in 2000, I immediately began working on my Master's degree, which I received from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2002. I recently earned my Ed.S. (Educational Specialist) degree in Administration and Supervision, and I plan to begin my Doctoral coursework in the fall of 2007.
While at Croft, I have served as 6th Grade Team Leader, Language ! Chairperson, and sponsor of Croft’s Half-Timer Dance Team. I also helped organize Croft’s first African-American History Month Celebration. I have served as mentor to 3 student teachers while here at Croft, and all have gone on to receive jobs with Metro Schools.
I very much enjoy working with children. Since I was in the fifth grade, teaching has been my goal. I know from experience the kind of impact a teacher can have on his/her students. Special teachers in my life are the reason why I am where I am today. My motto for my students is simple: "Success is the ONLY choice; failure is NOT an option!" With that in mind, I will do whatever it takes to make this year a success for the 6th grade students at Croft. I am looking forward to a great year!
Croft Teacher of the Year 2006
Congratulations to Susan Hale, Croft's 2006 Teacher of the Year! Chosen by her colleagues, Mrs. Hale teaches math to seventh and eighth grade students. Her warm smile and determination to see each child succeed makes her a wonderful choice. In addition to teaching math, Mrs. Hale is married with 3 children. Croft is a better place because of her!
Croft Teacher of the Year 2005
Congratulations to Jane Norris, Croft Middle School’s Teacher of the Year, 2005! Ms. Norris is a physical education teacher who came to Croft last year from Head Middle School. Ms. Norris has been responsible for initiating several programs here at Croft, and she greets everyone with a smile. You can often find her with her pal Tigger on her shoulder. We are very proud of Ms. Norris and thankful for all she does.
Croft Teacher of the Year 2004
It is with great enthusiasm that Croft Middle School announces that our first teacher of the Year is Sally Spear. Mrs. Spear embodies all of the characteristics of the ideal teacher. She is a master of the middle school science curriculum and understands how to deliver it to her seventh graders so that it is both comprehensible and challenging. With seven animals in her classroom, it is not only the most popular room for students but a must-see stop for everyone touring the building.