Phoenix Learning Center (PLC) Teacher Joy Turner was named as the Staff Person of the Year by the Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs (MAAP) at their annual state convention on Thursday, February 24.

Gretchen Lieb, PLC Director/Teacher, nominated Turner for the award. She explained that Turner is her "rock" at the school, amid the constant changes that take place. Lieb, in her presentation speech at the conference, spoke of Turner's enthusiasm for teaching and her expectation of the same enthusiasm from her students.

"She's going to sing and dance her lessons, and she expects students to bring their enthusiasm for learning to the table also.  Her expectations and level of accountability is high, for her students and herself!  She is going to learn and implement ways to keep the classroom exciting. (Turner challenges them) Stretch, learn and don't you dare settle for less!  You are too valuable, smart, creative and necessary for this changing world!" 

Jerman N. is a junior at PLC and willingly put together an iMovie video about Turner that they played for the conference attendees before she accepted her award. In the video he says, "Joy puts forth tremendous effort, when it comes to keeping students engaged, as well as challenging her students to take their work to the next level. Not only does she aspire to persuade students to do their best academically, but also to be a better person over all."

A thankful and overwhelmed Turner was surprised by the honor. "There are so many teachers who give their best, so I don't feel worthy of this award," Turner modestly states. "I had no idea I was nominated for this award. I am very honored and blessed. I take it personally that I have to give my students my best. It is my responsibility to help them reach their highest potential."   

Turner has been with the district since the 2006-07 school year. Currently she teaches English, social studies and art at PLC. In December 2009, PLC staff and students traveled to New Orleans to serve areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina after Turner had applied for PLC to be an "O Ambassador School" (sponsored by Oprah Winfery's Angel Network). This school year Turner has implemented digital storytelling where students use different technologies, such as iMovie, to share information about topics they are researching.