Two teachers from Fort Scott up for awards

Two Paola teachers, who both grew up in Fort Scott, have been selected as USD 368's elementary and secondary teachers of the year.

Lisa Collier was chosen as the secondary teacher of the year. She is the daughter of Larry and Charlotte Swaim of Fort Scott, according to a story in the Miami County Republic.

Tammy Cole, daughter of William and Karen Loar, is the elementary teacher of the year.

The two are friends and share the connection of having gone to the same grade school in Fort Scott, the Miami County newspaper reported.

Cole and Collier are now working on essays to be submitted to the state by April 30. A panel will select six semifinalists. The regional finalists will be announced in September and the state winner in November.

Collier has been teaching math in Paola for 13 years. She has mainly taught algebra, but has added calculus this year. During her lessons, Collier can use an electronic pad and calculator to demonstrate problems for students that they can see on a large screen in the front of the classroom, the story said.

Collier said she has always been a numbers person, but also enjoys interacting with people. Her passion for math has already rubbed off on some former students who have gone on to pursue the same career path, the paper reported.

-- Information compiled from the Miami County Republic