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Dr. Bruce Jackson and Mrs. Vickie Wittkop
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For Vickie Wittkop, teaching is doing more than simply giving a lecture, a test, and a grade. It is encouraging, challenging, and motivating students, and creating within them a lifelong love of learning. It is raising their self-esteem, increasing their confidence, and becoming their lifelong friend. To the hundreds of students who have been in her wide range of classes at New Philadelphia High School and to the hundreds more who have been members of the extra-curricular activities she has advised, Mrs. Wittkop personifies "teacher" in every sense of the word, and is a most deserving recipient of the first Dr. William J. and Mae Hurst Jackson Family Award for Distinguished Teaching at New Philadelphia City Schools.
Mrs. Wittkop’s educational background, a B.S. in English and history from Muskingum College, graduate level courses at Ashland and Kent State Universities and the Universities of Dayton, Mount Saint Joseph, and Akron, and a graduate degree from Marygrove College, provided the basis for her teaching skills, but the real test of a teacher is what happens in the classroom, not what appears on the diplomas; and, for Mrs. Wittkop, her classroom success has been her greatest reward. She seldom mentions the other awards which have recognized her abilities.
She has been featured in Who’s Who Among American Teachers annually since l991, was selected as a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar in l964 and l980, and was named the 2001 New Philadelphia Educator of the Year.
A 24-year member of New Philadelphia High School faculty, Mrs. Wittkop came to the NP system after teaching at both Fairview Park School and Bedford City Schools and spending time as a "full time mom" for son and daughter, Chris and Bethany.
During her tenure here, she has taught regular English in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12; Applied and Basic English in grades 10, 11, and 12; College Prep English in grades 10, 11, and 12; AP English in grade 12; American History in grade 11; and Economics in grades 11 and 12. She has served as English Department chairperson since l999.
In addition to her classroom teaching, Mrs. Wittkop has served as a member of the NPHS School Improvement Committee, the NP Technology Development Team, the NP Inservice Program, and the NP Gifted Committee; and has been an NPEA High School building representative.
Serving the students, however, remains her first love and has been apparent in her involvement with student extra-curricular activities. Currently, Mrs. Wittkop advises the NPHS National Honor Society and coordinates the Academic Awards Program. She is a past class advisor, Academic Challenge Team coach, Student Council advisor, Share-a-Christmas coordinator, Leadership Retreat director, and Ohio Association of Student Council Leadership Camp advisor.
Although much of her time has been and is devoted to education, her community and her family also benefit from her energy and enthusiasm. A member of the First Christian Church in New Philadelphia, she is also active in and secretary of AAUW, and vice-president of Delta Kappa Gamma.
The addition of a daughter in law, Debbie, and son in law, Allen, and the most recent arrival of granddaughter, Olivia, complete a very happy family for her and husband, Dave who reside in Dover.
The New Philadelphia School System is proud to have Vicki Wittkop as a vital part of its staff, and congratulates her on this most deserved award.
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Last Updated
September 19, 2005
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