Press Release

Jacqueline Clayton, a 28-year education veteran, is Akron Public Schools 2010 Teacher of the Year. She teaches sixth grade at Perkins Middle School.

Clayton received her education degree from The University of Akron in 1978. Her previous honors include Middle School Teacher of the Year/Unsung Hero at Ravenna City Schools and Perkins Middle School Teacher of the Year. Clayton also received the Akron NABSE Carter Woodson History Teacher Award in 2006 and completed the Master Teacher program in 2009.

Clayton incorporates innovative instruction techniques that engage students in her classroom. “I use Smart Boards for interactive learning to accommodate different learning styles, which engages my learners and makes social studies come alive,” said Clayton. “Safari Montage also serves as a great visual learning and research tool.”

Clayton, who describes teaching as her passion, believes that successful teachers must constantly pursue professional development opportunities. “I am always learning new things that I can utilize in my classroom,” said Clayton. “I have attended numerous APS workshops that have enabled me to incorporate technology within the classroom. Through these workshops, I have developed interventions so that no student fails in my classroom.”

Clayton was one of eight nominees for Teacher of the Year. The other nominees were: Daniel Casalinuovo, Litchfield Middle School; Dawn Durbin, Ellet High School; Michelle Jones, Goodyear Middle School; Michell Loan, Robinson CLC; Amy Salisbury, King Elementary School; Tami Semelsberger, Resnik CLC; and Christine Thurman, Smith Elementary School.