Teacher of the month: Erin Weiker

Clay High School

10/2/2012

Erin Weiker is an excellent choice for Teacher of the Month. She gives a tireless amount of time to her American history, AP history, geography, and Model U.N. students. She is a master teacher who gives her students her best every day. Erin has high expectations and makes the students rise to the highest level they are capable of. Her hard work and commitment deserve the accolades that accompany the Teacher of the Month Award.

In 2002, Erin volunteered to create Clay’s Model U.N. Program. The program began with five students as an after school club and quickly grew. She prepared students for three annual competitions (helping students learn parliamentary procedure, prepare essays, speeches, and background knowledge of countries). Her students have had many first-place wins over the years including a first place overall in 2009 at the Mid-American Model U.N. Competition. In 2009, Erin was awarded 2nd place Advisor Award in the category of best prepared schools at the Mid-American Model U.N. Competition. In 2012, the team won 2nd place overall and several first place committee wins at the competition, and during the same year, the team through sponsorship, was able to offer its first annual “distinguished diplomat” college scholarship to a graduating senior.

Erin has co-authored an article entitled, “Student-Tested Suggestions for Using Textbooks More Effectively” with colleague Sarah Bretz (2006). She earned her master’s of education in curriculum from Bowling Green State University in 2006, and was honored at Clay High School’s Teacher of the Month in 2008. Serving on several committees such as: CHS Intervention and Assistance Team, Professional Development Committee, and Oregon District Leadership Team for Intervention, Erin is the National Honor Society advisor. She is working towards a master’s In American History from Ashland University and eventually hopes to gain National Board Certification.

“Erin Weiker is an inspiration to her students,” said Jeff Thompson, principal. “She brings enormous energy, enthusiasm and optimism to teaching - a career that has never been more challenging, or more vital to our future.”