March Teacher and Employee of the Month are Chosen
Debbie Madden selected as the March 2008 Teacher of the Month, Jim Posey recognized as Employee of the Month for March 2008
 Debbie Madden, the March 2008 Teacher of the Month, has dedicated more than 18 years of her life to teaching science and respect of our eco-system. Mrs. Madden began teaching at Wakulla Middle School in 2003 but she brought years of instructional experience with her.
Mrs. Madden has taught science throughout the State of Florida including Auburndale High School, Mote Marine Lab in the Florida Keys, Winter Haven High School and Okeechobee High School. She adds, “Wakulla County’s reputation as a great school system is well-known statewide and we knew we wanted to become a part of this learning community. It was our intent to retire in Wakulla County, but we just could not wait until retirement to move to Wakulla.”
Mrs. Madden offers science expertise in earth/space science, marine science, biology, ecology and environmental science. She received her master’s degree from Florida State University and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. She grew up in Winter Haven. Mrs. Madden’s favorite way to teach science is through field trips. She exclaims, “I love it when my students can see, feel and taste the environment first-hand while they are learning about science.” For the past two years, she has taken a group of science students to Little St. George Island. They spend time seining for fish, pulling plankton nets and hiking across the barrier island. She said, “I am convinced that students develop an appreciation for the world around them through experiences. This understanding will help them grow up to be good stewards of their environment.”
Mrs. Madden contributes to her profession by staying active in a variety of organizations such as Delta Kappa Gamma, Florida Association of Science Teachers, the School Advisory Council, the WMS Science Fair, and the Critics Corner Exploratory.
WMS Principal Jo Ann Daniels applauds Debbie Madden the science teacher. She shares, “Mrs. Madden has quickly become a lead science teacher at WMS. She has taken on an active role as Science Fair co-chair and heads our School Advisory Council Science Committee. Mrs. Madden has improved our science instruction by helping teachers purchase updated science videos and software. To boost science fair participation and reward students, she planned a terrific boat trip up the Apalachicola River for all first and second place science fair winners. She is dedicated to helping her 8th graders prepare for high school and the careers they have ahead. She’s an enthusiastic and hard-working educator. WMS is proud to have Mrs. Madden recognized as Teacher of the Month.”
 Jim Posey, Riversprings Middle School Paraprofessional, is the March Employee of the Month. Jim Posey is recognized for skills and willingness to help wherever he is needed. Riversprings Middle School principal Dod Walker notes, “Mr. Posey is a valuable resource and an indispensable member of our staff. He presently works in the Media Center. He provides our campus with a certified paramedic and first responder. He donates his time to our athletic program and serves as our on-site medical professional at football games. He has logged a tremendous number of volunteer hours all over the county, including Wakulla High School.”
Jim Posey started working with the school district in 2000. This year he is also the head JV soccer coach at WHS. Prior to joining the Wakulla School District team he was a print shop supervisor with the Department of Education. Mr. Posey attended and graduated from high school in Ashford, AL. When asked what he enjoys most about his job he is quick to share, “I enjoy the interaction with the students. Most students just want someone to listen.”
When not working in the RMS media center, Mr. Posey stays busy as the Book Fair Chairperson, WHS Band Booster President, Crawfordville Fire Rescue Fire Fighter/Instructor/First Responder and as an official referee and umpire. Mr. Posey adds, “As a first responder, I have been called upon several times to assist employees and students at Riverpsprings Middle School and Shadeville Elementary School. I enjoy helping people in their time of need.” Principal Walker applauded Jim Posey and said, “I am proud to call him a Riversprings Bear.”
- Karen Wells, Executive Director, Human Resources/Risk Management
This article originally published on March 18, 2008.
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