Fredonia alumna Katie Tyczynski has been named the 2016 Rookie Teacher of the Year by the South Carolina Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
Ms. Tyczynski received her bachelor’s degree in Childhood Inclusive Education-Math. from Fredonia in 2011 and went on to receive her master’s degree in Special Education from Canisius College. During her studies she interned with the Institution for Autism Research. Presently, Katie has been working at Muller Road Middle School in Blythewood, S.C., for the last three years.
Nominators included Principal Sean Bishton, school psychologist Carolyn Traylor and teacher specialist Denise Webster, who praised Tyczynski for her motivation, problem-solving skills, sound judgment and creative approaches to activities and techniques in the classroom. They noted, “Despite the relatively short time she has been in the classroom, she presents as a confident teacher with a passion for helping her students to become as independent as possible.”
Tyczynski teaches a self-contained class, and most of her students are diagnosed with special needs. The students need a strict structure to learn new skills and be successful. Classes focus on interdependence, academics and life skills.
The new teacher said the win was a surprise. “I was so thrilled to find out with my students and instructional assistants in the same room. They are the reason I strive to be the best teacher I can be. I work with a wonderful team of caring individuals who help me and our students every day,” she said.
