First-grade teacher honored

Betty Mobbs, a first-grade teacher at John Brown Elementary, was named First Class School Champion for December at a recent surprise assembly at the school.

Sponsored by Numerica Credit Union, the award recognizes outstanding school employees.

First-grader Monterey Britzman nominated Mobbs for the award because of the love and kindness she shows each of her students.

“When we go in to class in the mornings, she gives each of us a hug,” Monterey wrote in her nomination essay. “This makes me feel very happy.”

Since graduating from Eastern Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in education, Mobbs has taught kindergarten and first and second grades since 1979. She also taught at the Pacific Science Center and has been nominated for Teacher of the Year numerous times. Because of her accomplished teaching skills, she was selected to help develop the Idaho Reading Curriculum, setting the state reading standards. She was also chosen for the state Mentoring Program, mentoring more than 19 new teachers.

Mobbs is busy outside the classroom, too. Married for 25 years, she raised two boys on a family farm in Hauser Lake. She was the driving force behind her community’s Breakfast with Santa, a Hauser tradition for 20 year.

Students can nominate their favorite school employee who works within North Idaho. A committee will select a winner once a month.

Mobbs received $100 to be used at the school or in her department, along with a plaque, gift bag, and a $45 gift certificate to Outback Steakhouse.

For her effort, Monterey received $25, a bag of goodies, two Silverwood Theme Park passes and will be entered into a drawing for an Apple iPod, along with all other students who submitted a nomination essay. The drawing will be held at the end of the school year.