Rebecca Webster, Ph.D., is the winner of one of the most prestigious education awards in Oklahoma. She has been named 2020 Teacher Character Award recipient by the Professional Oklahoma Educators Foundation.
Webster is a teacher and school counselor at White Rock Public Schools. And for winning the Teacher Character Award, Webster will receive a $1,500 gift from the POE Foundation for the purpose of furthering character education, a commendation from Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, a beautiful award and a bouquet of roses. She will also receive a complimentary one-year membership in Professional Oklahoma Educators for the 2021-22 academic school year.
The statewide honor was presented at the foundation’s Excellence in Education Awards banquet on April 30 in Oklahoma City. The award is based on two important quotes:
- “Good Character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are, to some extent, a gift (from God). Good character, by contrast is not given to us. We have to build it piece-by-piece, by thought, choice, courage and determination.” –John Luther
- “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” –John Wooden, legendary college basketball coach
“The POE Foundation looks for how extensive and creatively character is taught in every aspect from direct teaching, to decorations, to public recognition of students for their outstanding character,” said Ginger Tinney, executive director of the foundation.
Webster uses the Great Expectations curriculum to instill character. Great Expectations is a professional development program that provides teachers and administrators with the skills needed to create harmony and excitement within the school atmosphere, elements that are basic for inspiring students to pursue academic excellence.
“Mrs. Webster has a large impact on the teachers and staff by modeling honesty, compassion, empathy and general good character at all times,” said coworker Natalie Fesler. “Her students are taught to respect others, be honest and work hard. Her English language arts lessons are built around good character traits. She works hard to teach how to learn from mistakes rather than letting those mistakes define one.”
The Excellence in Education Awards Banquet recognizes and rewards Oklahoma educators who demonstrate a commitment to their students in teaching strength of character and excellence in the school or classroom. Award nominees must go through a rigorous application and evaluation process.
According to POE Foundation Executive Director Ginger Tinney, “These awards serve as an encouragement to not only Oklahoma educators, but also to the many businesses, organizations, and communities that have a stake in the character building and intellectual development of the children who will shape our state in the future.”
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About POE Foundation: The Professional Oklahoma Educators Foundation is a nonprofit that serves as the charitable arm of Professional Oklahoma Educators. The Foundation serves as a support organization for POE and provides valuable educational training and services to teachers and students across the state. The POE Foundation is dedicated to promoting a world-class education for all Oklahoma students.
About POE: Professional Oklahoma Educators is the fastest-growing education association in Oklahoma. POE is a non-union, nonpartisan professional association for all school personnel. POE members receive professional liability insurance, legal services, and lobbying representation. It is our commitment to these valuable services that make POE a positive and unmatched option for education employees in today’s teaching environment.