Miranda Bowen, March’s Teacher of the Month, has been teaching at Crawfordville Elementary School since August 2004.

Ms. Bowen graduated from Wakulla High School, Flagler College with her bachelor’s degree and Florida State University with her master’s degree.  Bowen had the opportunity of serving as a teacher intern at Crawfordville Elementary.  Prior to teaching, she worked as clerk for the Florida Department of Agriculture.  Bowen said, “I have always been impressed by the professionalism exhibited by the educators in the Wakulla County School District and when a position became available at Crawfordville Elementary School, I applied and got the job.”

Bowen enjoys getting to know her students and walking along with them as they dive into learning.  She adds, “Every student comes in at a different place in their educational journey and helping them to make that journey the most exciting and rewarding voyage possible is the most incredible feeling imaginable.”

When not providing exciting lessons in her classroom and at her school, Bowen stays busy as the School Advisory Council Chair.  She also serves as a member on committees such as school safety, professional behavior system, reading literacy and Brogan Education partner.

Crawfordville Elementary School Principal Angela Walker adds, “It is an honor and privilege to work with a teacher with such dedication, selfless devotion to the profession and such an impeccable work ethic.  Mrs. Bowen is one of the first teachers to arrive each morning and one of the last to leave each day.  She helps her colleagues by finding materials, locating web-sites, connecting to classroom mimio boards, correcting problems with a projector or wanting more knowledge about trainings or teaching approaches.  Her classroom is engaging, challenging, full of technology, interactive, orderly and exciting.  Mrs. Bowen’s contribution to our school’s success is above and beyond what is expected and certainly what is required. I am fortunate to work with her at our school each day.”

Jennifer Thaxton, Riversprings Middle School’s Media Specialist, is a RMS Bear charter member, as she was part of the team that opened the school in August 2000.  She has dedicated 14 years of service to the district and is now the March Teacher of the Month.  As the media specialist Mrs. Thaxton gets to know all of the students in the school.  She notes, “I love it when the students run into the library because they absolutely must have the next book in the series.  I enjoy watching the students as they grow and mature from 6th graders to 8th graders.  I also work with an amazing faculty and enjoy collaborating with my peers.”

RMS Principal Dod Walker shares, “Mrs. Thaxton is a true leader at Riversprings.  She taught 8th grade for several years and moved into the Media Specialist position in 2008.  This move allowed her to flourish as a leader, impacting all students and faculty at RMS.  It is only fitting that the Media Center be located at the center of campus because she is a large part of the heart and soul of Riversprings.  I am proud and honored to work with her.”

When not busy helping students select books of interest and sharing their love of reading she serves as a mentor teacher trainer, alternative certification mentor and assessor, assistant school level test coordinator, and school newspaper sponsor.

Rene Lawhon, Wakulla Educational Center’s Pre-K CDA, has dedicated more than 22 years to the youngest students in Wakulla County and is the March Employee of the Month for the school district.  She began her career with the District by serving in the WEC daycare and as the Readimobile teacher.  In August 2003 she transferred into a CDA position at Pre-K.

Wakulla Education Center Pre-K Principal applauds Mrs. Lawhon’s accomplishments.   She shares, “Ms. Rene continues to leave a lasting impression on the lives of students.”  She shared examples of students running up to Ms. Rene shouting, “Miss Rene, Miss Rene, do you remember me?  I was in your class.  Do you remember when you took us bowling and on a field trip skating?”

Lawhon states, “I love the pre-k children because they still love you back.  They have a sparkle in their eye every day and sincere excitement when we cook green eggs or have worm races.  We are giving them experiences they will never forget.  When I leave school each day I am blessed by more little fellows waiting on me around the house.  At least one or all of my sons or grandsons will be there when I get home with something exciting to tell me.  My life may seem simple to some, but I love my students at school, my husband and my wonderful family.”

Mrs. Lawhon also serves on the WEC PRE-K PTA, Special Olympics and Family Fun Day Committees and as the Pre-K Volunteer Coordinator.

Superintendent David Miller and the Wakulla County School Board applaud the selfless dedication and commitment these employees bring to the District as well as the compassion they display on behalf of the students, schools, the profession of education and communities they serve.

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