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Fort Wayne Community Schools surprises two teachers with Teacher of the Year award

Fort Wayne Community Schools announced two Teachers of the Year Wednesday, one at the elementary level and one at the secondary level.

FWCS named Caroline Rosado Teacher of the Year for the elementary level.

Caroline Rosado teaches fifth grade at Weisser Park Elementary School, but began the year as the student interventionist. When a teacher resigned earlier this year, Rosado stepped up to take on teaching duties for the class and coaching duties for boys’ basketball.

When presented with the award, Rosado was visibly shocked. She said she had thought she had done poorly in the interview, but is honored to receive the award.

“Absolutely unbelievable," Rosado said. "It is incredible. It is just something that I really didn’t expect, but something that I strive to be is just the best teacher that I possibly can for my kids.”

Rosado has taught for five years, with the past three years at Weisser Park. She was nominated by Principal Melissa Plumb.

In her application for Teacher of the Year, Rosado wrote that she views learning as “reflective, intentional and holistic.”

Fort Wayne Community Schools also named a Teacher of the Year for the secondary level in Northrop High School choir director Tom Maupin.

Maupin has been teaching for 34 years, with 22 of them as choir director at Northrop High School. Under his leadership, the school’s Allure and Charisma Show Choirs have won awards.

Maupin was grateful for the recognition.

“Oh my gosh, I am stunned, I am floored, overwhelmed," he said. "And I’m so honored.”

Maupin said the most incredible thing about teaching is getting to foster each kids’ love of music and share his passion for it with them. He said the pandemic also helped show him how important that connection is.

“During the pandemic, I realized how much the kid needed us, but I also realized how much I needed the kids," Maupin said.

In his Teacher of the Year application, Maupin wrote about what directing a high school choir means; such as encouragement, critique, accountability and appreciation; and also the importance of a fine arts education.

Both teachers will now be submitted for Indiana Teacher of the Year.

Ella Abbott is a multimedia reporter for 89.1 WBOI. She is a strong believer in the ways audio storytelling can engage an audience and create a sensory experience.