Two BHS Teachers are Nominated as Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year

Oakland Schools Educational Foundation hosts The Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year Awards annually to honor and reward Oakland County teachers who have achieved the highest standards of excellence in their profession. Bloomfield Hills Schools teachers Liza Lauter (BHHS) and LaTonya Darling (Way Elementary) were nominated by colleagues and families this year. Below are comments submitted by BHS colleagues:

“Liza creates an environment in the classroom where students feel safe and comfortable to share their ideas and take risks.  Liza uses a variety of instructional strategies to engage students in the learning process and with each other. There is an extremely high level of student engagement in all of Liza’s classes and colleagues regularly seek out her perspective and expertise when looking to support their own classroom cultures of learning and risk taking.”

“LaTonya has a rare ability to connect with each student. She adapts to each student’s individual stye and needs and truly appreciates each child for who they are – always making them feel understood. I say this confidently because two years later, when a number from Way appeared on my phone, I jumped with excitement when I heard the voice on the other end of the line. My second son, Will, also had the privilege of learning with Mrs. Darling-Cole. Though a completely different learner than his older brother, he, too, formed an instant connection with Mrs. Darling-Cole.”