The MCSD Employee Recognition Award is for those employees who go above and beyond on a continual basis for students, staff, and/or parents. Nominations can come from community members, parents, and staff members. The district would like to take this opportunity to introduce to you and congratulate March’s best of the best at MCSD!

Liz Panther – Instructional Coach – Central Middle School
Nominated by Laney Berry

“Liz Panther has been an Instructional Coach at Central Middle School for three years. In addition to her full-time job as an IC she is also a wife, a mother to two young children, and a graduate student. Liz has a unique combination of bubbly personality, genuineness and attention to detail that makes her a natural leader. People seek out and trust her knowledgeable, thoughtful and caring advice. Her energy and spirit inspires and motivates others to strive for their personal best. She is tenacious and persistent, yet loving and humble. Liz has an infectious laugh and a smile that lights up a room. She is a true asset to our building and district and I consider myself very lucky to work side-by-side with her every day.” Laney Berry

Michelle Dusenberry – First Grade Teacher at Grant Elementary

Nominated by: Jaimie Caffery

“Michelle Dusenberry continues to go above and beyond for her past and present students! She provides tutoring for students, and she makes sure the students are getting the support they need to be successful at school. Michelle’s goal is to get to know all of her students, so she can provide them with an environment that meets their needs as a learner. If the student needs to stand while reading, Michelle makes sure there is a spot where the child can stand. If a student will benefit from a shorter pencil, Michelle will research and buy the best pencil for the individual student.

Michelle is a master at involving parents. She invites them into her classroom early and often, and most of the parents volunteer for hours at a time. They love being in her classroom as much as her students! Michelle is a positive role model for her students. She praises hard work and effort, and her students know they are very loved!

Michelle sings to and with her classroom as often as possible. This is very motivating and fun for the students. Their classroom mission statement is: We will fill up hearts and fix hearts, one first grader at a time by being kind on the outside and inside too, your heart, your heart, will never be blue! There is no doubt that…once a student of Michelle Dusenberry, always a student of Michelle Dusenberry!” Jaimie Caffery


Stephanie Zillig – Instructional Coach at Jefferson Elementary 

Nominated by: John Loos

“She does a great job and makes the school a better place with her enthusiasm for education. She has an attitude towards learning that makes even the teachers want to learn more.  She finds the positive in any situation and makes all the people at Jefferson’s day better. Plus, she really likes data!” John Loos

Emily Goddard – English Language Arts Teacher at West Middle School

Nominated by Melissa Randleman

“Mrs. Goddard does such an amazing job at valuing the individual strengths in her students. She cares about their character and their personal growth. She encourages them and lifts them up. Her friendly and calm disposition, radiates the classroom. We are thankful to have been able to meet her and thank her for being so kind and loving to our children.” Melissa Randleman

Daphne Donald – Administrative Assistant/Special Program – Admin Center

Nominated by Jessi Freers

“In my years working with Daphne she continues to go above and beyond in her duties as the Administrative Assistant for Special Programs. She is one of those people who you can go to with any special education-related question and she will know the answer or know the source to go to for the answer. There have been many times when I have become aware of a special education situation and have gone to Daphne for assistance and she has already handled the situation. She also always has coffee going in her office if you ever need a pick-me-up!” Jessi Freers

To nominate a deserving employee, go to Employee Recognition Form.