By MARY ROBERSON
For The Reporter
Sheridan High School (SHS) teacher Allison Waitt earned state recognition at the 2023 Indiana Department of Education’s (DOE) Educational Excellence Awards Gala last Friday.
Waitt received the Digital Innovator Excellence Award, which recognizes individual educators who leverage technology to improve student learning. She takes the initiative to learn how to use digital tools in the classroom and may support others in implementing technologies in the classroom.
In addition to the statewide accolade, the recognition comes with a $2,500 prize for Waitt to use to further her work in digital innovation for her students.
SHS Principal Rick Davis described Waitt as, “a phenomenal educator who has taken it upon herself to learn about the ever-changing landscape of digital education for the benefit of our students. Her efforts and talents have initiated and grown the Next Level Program of Study (NLPS) Digital Design Pathway at Sheridan High School.”
Waitt has 11 years of teaching experience at SHS, teaching various business classes, with a special focus on digital design. She has helped start a new pathway to give students opportunities to explore innovative career options in our changing digital world. She is also involved in helping the school with digital marketing efforts and supporting student clubs.
“Allison is one of those outstanding teachers who is never afraid to take on a new challenge for her students and SHS as a whole,” Davis said. “She is a leader in the classroom and in the school whose positive and energetic personality carries over to others. She is so deserving of this honor and recognition as she makes great things happen in her classroom for all of her students.”
Davis and Waitt attended the DOE gala that was held in downtown Indianapolis last Friday evening. The black-tie event focused on recognizing and elevating educators from across the state.
“I’m really thankful to have a corporation that supports me in my new classes and programs,” Waitt said. “They have always backed me when I want to try something completely new. Every yes to something new has been a great benefit to the students, community, and corporation. I am beyond grateful for the recognition and support from the state and Sheridan Community Schools.”