Michelle Sheldon, student support specialist at Riverside Elementary, has been recognized by the Rotary District 5710 through the Educator of Year Program. She was selected as the runner-up for the Educator of the Year Award, presented April 26 in Topeka.
She also was honored Tuesday by the Emporia Rotary Club, which nominated her for the award. She received a plaque and a $500 cash award.
The award is given to teachers who are outstanding in their field and teachers who exemplify excellence. According to Rotary materials, one goal of the award is to “improve the perception of teaching as a viable and important vocation for future generations.”
Sheldon came to Emporia in 1997 as an elementary art teacher. While teaching, she returned to school to get a master’s degree in counseling. In the 2002-2003 school year, she was selected for a counseling position.