Compiled by Faith Toole
Danville’s North Elementary art teacher Katie Pourcho was brought to tears when she was named the named 2020 Indiana Teacher of the Year at a convocation Oct. 10.
Danville North Elementary art teacher Katie Pourcho was all smiles as she was named the state’s top teacher Oct. 10.
Facility, staff and students surprised Pourcho with the announcement by Jennifer McCormick, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick, Indiana State Teacher of the Year Katie Pourcho, Danville Superintendent Tracey Shafer and North Elementary principal Karen Perkins posed for a photo in front of Pourcho’s artwork.
“My childhood dream was to become an art teacher,” Pourcho said. “I remember the utter joy it was to enter what I believed to be the most magical classroom in the school. As I grew older, I learned of inspiring artists and cultures around the world and became enamored with art history. I have experienced the restorative and expressive power of creating art personally as an artist, and I am beyond blessed to embolden students with the courage to create,” said Pourcho.
Tracey Shafer, superintendent of Danville Community School Corporation, lead the cheers.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick, Indiana State Teacher of the Year Katie Pourcho, Danville Superintendent Tracey Shafer and North Elementary principal Karen Perkins posed for a photo in front of Pourcho’s artwork.
“We are so proud of Katie Pourcho,” he said. “She exemplifies outstanding teachers and instruction. Her heart for working with students will make her a perfect ambassador for education across the great state of Indiana.”
As the 2020 Teacher of the Year, Katie Pourcho will represent Indiana in the National Teacher of the Year Competition.
“It’s a great day for Danville, Hendricks County, and the State of Indiana to recognize one of your own teachers as the 2020 Teacher of the Year,” McCormick said. “Ms. Katie Pourcho will do an excellent job of representing Indiana and serving as an ambassador for all of us. Congratulations to Ms. Pourcho and Hendricks County.”
Her friends, family, students and coworkers will cheer her on throughout the process.
Katie Pourcho sat with her parents Bob and Karen Pourcho, brother and sister-in-law Stephen and Lauren Pourcho before she was named Indiana State Teacher of the Year.
“There is not a more deserving person on the planet,” said Morgan Walker, Danville’s director of academic services.
