Tim Branson, No Excuses Director at Washington High School, was named the School District of Washington’s recipient of the 2019 Emerson Electric Excellence in Teaching Award.
The Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards program annually recognizes more than 100 educators in the St. Louis metropolitan area – from kindergarten teachers to college professors – who are examples of excellence in their field.
Recipients are selected by the chief administrators of their school districts or educational institutions. The employing educational institution must be located in the St. Louis metropolitan area, which is defined to include: (in Missouri) Franklin County, Jefferson County, St. Charles County, St. Louis City, St. Louis County; and (in Illinois) Jersey County, Madison County, Monroe County, and St. Clair County.
Branson was recognized at the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in St. Louis.
"I was honored to be recognized at the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Ceremony. I'm not alone in the efforts that go into the No Excuses Program and what we try to do for our students. I have a wonderful staff consisting of Mr. Bill Lochmoeller and Mrs. Melody Knollhoff that care for our students and go the extra mile," Branson said. "We encourage our students to strive in our program and become successful, graduate, and give back to the community. I am humbled to accept the award among such stellar educators."
Branson has been in education for 23 years. He’s been with the School District of Washington for 14 years, all as the No Excuses Director. He’s been involved in the Care Team, the Achievement Planning Team, and the Restorative Practices Committee.
In the classroom, Branson creates an engaging environment for his students and is constantly trying to find ways to keep them motivated to learn by going beyond the text book.
He creates games and activities where students are inspired and motivated. He brings in outside materials that are history related to generate interest in his lessons. He asks kids questions, listens to their opinions, and truly engages them in conversations about current events each and every day.
“Tim works with a special group of students that need guidance, love, compassion and boundaries. He has taken the time to get to know each student individually, help them set personal goals, and uses every spare minute he has to make sure they are staying on track,” said Washington High School Principal Dr. Kelle McCallum. “Tim is one of a kind. He is patient, yet direct and gets results. You can count on his word and his dedication. He takes multiple steps to make sure the best decision is being made for students, parents and faculty. He promotes his department and remains a positive, strong leader for the students who need us the most. He is an excellent recipient of the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award.”
The last three Emerson Electric Excellence in Teaching Award recipients from the School District of Washington have been Augusta’s Amy Brinkmann in 2018, Washington Middle School’s Stefanie Virgen in 2017, and Clearview’s Becky Zanin in 2016.
Tim Branson, No Excuses Director at Washington High School, has been named the School District of Washington’s recipient of the 2019 Emerson Electric Excellence in Teaching Award. Branson is pictured with WHS Principal Dr. Kelle McCallum.