Teachers bring love of learning to Bigfork Elementary.

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

Charlie Appleby is usually the one giving out gold stars, but this month he got one of his own when he was named the Gold Star Teacher of the month in a local competition.

Appleby, a sophomore English and journalism teacher at Bigfork High School and the BHS Speech and Debate coach, took the November award in the KCFW-TV sponsored program. The Gold Star teacher must be nominated by students and nominations are then reviewed by an anonymous panel of five educators, said program director Jan McManus.

The program is sponsored by KCFW and Staples office supply store.

Appleby's English class is heavy on writing and literature with a little bit of grammar thrown in where it's needed. For sophomores, Appleby has a multi cultural literature class, where they try to steer clear of reading works solely by "dead white guys."

"I love the sophomores," he said. "We try to read stuff from around the world."

Appleby also teaches a journalism course to upper classmen and oversees the school newspaper, The Norse Code.

"When I got here we had a newspaper but no curriculum," he said. "I've been trying to teach more journalism techniques."

High School Principal Thom Peck had kind words about Appleby and the honor bestowed on him.

"He's just a great teacher," Peck said. "A really great teacher."

Between the newspaper and the classroom instruction, Appleby teaches the students skills and tools that can be used in college and the professional realm.

In recognition of his superior teaching, KCFW will film a small program capturing Appleby in the classroom and interviewing some of his pupils. That spot will run on KCFW between Nov. 5 and Nov. 11. McManus said there's no set schedule for when the 30-second spots will air. In the past, she said they've run around lunch time, during the evening or nightly newscasts or pretty much anywhere in between.

By FAITH MOLDAN / Bigfork Eagle

A love of learning brought three Bigfork Elementary School teachers to the teaching profession, although they each came to Bigfork via different routes.

Ann Dorr, a first- and second-grade combination teacher at Bigfork Elementary, always wanted to be a teacher but got married early and had kids. After her youngest son had graduated high school and was enrolled in college, Dorr enrolled herself. She earned her degree through Flathead Valley Community College and the University of Great Falls.

"It's a first year for everything," Dorr said. "It's hectic but very nice."

Dorr student-taught sixth grade and was an aide at Helena Flatts after graduating in December 2006. She now teaches 18 students in her classroom. The long-time Flathead resident describes herself as a people person who is concentrated on building relationships with her students.

"I want to motivate kids and have them realize the necessity and importance of learning," Dorr said. "I like trying to find how to make that click."

Dorr is not alone in her teaching. Fellow first- and second-grade teacher Trish Shults serves as her mentor and sounding board. Dorr said it was nice to have other new faces at the school as well.

Jill Henion, a fourth-grade teacher at Bigfork Elementary, is a familiar face at the school but new to her full-time teaching position there.

Henion subbed long-term for a fifth-grade classroom last year.

"I think there is a need for people who are truly passionate about learning," she said. Henion has followed in her mother's footsteps, becoming a teacher like her.

With 20 students in her class, Henion described her fourth-graders as "the perfect age."

"They haven't lost that thrill for learning," she said. "I have a really good group of kids."

Henion, a graduate of the University of Montana, said she enjoys watching her students learn and grow, and seeing their different personalities shine through. She said she enjoys teaching science the most, as it allows the students to be hands-on and learn why and how things work the way they do.

Henion doesn't have far to look for support and ideas, as Nancy Trembath serves as her mentor.

"She's a gem," Henion said.

Henion also shares ideas, as well as materials, with fellow fourth-grade teacher and first-year Bigfork Elementary teacher Darcy Pierce.

"We're new together. She's easy to work with," Henion said. "We're learning as we go."

This marks Pierce's sixth year of teaching, as she taught for four years in Colorado and one year at Canyon Elementary in Hungry Horse.

"I have family in the area," Pierce said. "My husband teaches here too."

Her husband, Cory Pierce, is in his second year of teaching third grade at Bigfork Elementary. Darcy Pierce earned her bachelor's degree at Fort Lewis College in Durango Colo., and her masters at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

Pierce previously taught first, third and fourth grade. She said she enjoys teaching fourth grade because the students are able to do more things on their own.

"They're a little more independent and inquisitive," she said. "They can research and find out about things without having a parent or teacher guide them through every step."

Pierce said she has a wonderful class of 16 students. She added that the help she receives from parents is great. She enjoys teaching and discovering new things along with her students.

"I want to get young people excited about learning. I hope I make my classroom fun and engaging," she said.

Her class recently finished a section in its science class about the ocean and decorated the room with different ocean creatures, including a large whale that hung from the ceiling. Just like Henion, Pierce said science is her favorite subject as well.

"The students really get into it. They like doing experiments."