COSHOCTON, Ohio — Coshocton City Schools elementary teacher, Leslie Croft, was recently selected as this year’s recipient of the 2023 State Board of Education District 9 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Croft is a second grade teacher at Coshocton Elementary.
Mrs. Croft has taught for 22 years, and has taught in both private and public schools. She serves as a teacher mentor and takes on student teachers, as well. She believes that all students can learn and she differentiates instruction to meet the needs of a variety of learners in the classroom. Mrs. Croft was also the recipient of the 2021-22 MVESC Exemplary Educator, for which she was recognized among other exceptional teachers in our region.
Each year the Ohio Department of Education asks each Ohio school district to submit their candidate for the Ohio Teacher of the Year. The program identifies exceptional teachers who inspire others inside and outside the classroom. A committee in each of Ohio’s eleven State Board of Education Districts reviewed applications and selected Mrs. Croft as this year’s award winner! She will continue to move ahead in the selection process for the 2023 State Teacher of the Year.
“Leslie Croft is an exceptional educator who inspires her students and colleagues on a daily basis. She is highly respected and most deserving of this distinguished award, and Coshocton City Schools is extremely proud of her many accomplishments,” stated Superintendent Dr. David Hire.
The Ohio Teacher of the Year program began in 1964. In 1996, Coshocton High School Social Studies teacher, Cathy Priest was selected as Ohio’s Teacher of the Year.
MVESC’s Lindsay Rayner, Director of Curriculum & Learning, served as the Ohio Teacher of the Year District 9 Territory Lead.