Who she is: Gayle Barton teaches sixth grade at Jefferson Elementary School in Wyandotte.

Background: She has been teaching at Jefferson Elementary School for just over a year.

Why nominated: Barton always has new and innovative ideas. She is always ready to learn and train the staff in new areas. Her classroom is always busy and exciting. The students are either on the computers researching ideas or dressed up as historical figures in a new lesson plan. Barton is approachable and caring as a teacher. She will take the time to fully explain the lesson to a student, making sure that they can grasp the concept.

They say: "Her students are respectful and responsible. Her parents are informed and involved. The staff has a hard time staying out of her room because there is so much to learn," said teacher Janel Blevins.