Sylvania Board names 2025 Educators of the Year

The Sylvania Board of Education presented its 2025 Educator of the Year awards at the Sept. 22 meeting, honoring administrators, support staff, paraprofessionals and teachers from across the district.

Superintendent Dr. Motley introduced the program and noted the district’s record‑keeping for the award extends roughly 40 years. The board presented the Administrator of the Year award to Jim Huss, Southview High School athletic director; the Support Staff of the Year to Joyce Fuller, accounts payable at the administration building; and the Paraprofessional of the Year to Daniella Osmick at Whiteford Elementary.

The board also recognized classroom Teachers of the Year: Jerry Bassick (CareerTech financial management), Shelly Erwin (Highland Elementary), Caitlin Seibert (McCord science) and Christina Danker (second grade, Sylvania Elementary). Dr. Motley read excerpts from nomination letters that described nominees’ instructional impact and student support.

Nominators highlighted a mix of long service and recent contributions: one nomination cited a teacher’s work leading students to a national finance competition; another noted a teacher who has been in the district since 1991 and continues to support students academically and emotionally; nominators described nominees as “inspirational,” “passionate,” and consistently student‑centered.

The board moved to accept the presentation of awards as noted on item 4.1; a motion and second passed by roll call with recorded affirmative votes from board members present.

Why it matters: The awards are a public recognition of district personnel and were presented at a regularly scheduled board meeting; they highlight district priorities in instruction, student support and extracurricular programs.