Employee Recognition

Recognizing Excellence at Circle Public SchoolsAt Circle Public Schools, we’re proud to recognize the dedicated staff members who make a difference every day—for their students, their colleagues, and their school communities.

Through our Teacher and Employee of the Year honors, THRIVE Awards and more we celebrate staff members who lead with heart, strive for excellence, and help those around them grow, succeed and THRIVE.

Congratulations to all of our honorees—and thank you for the incredible impact you make!

Circle Public Schools Teachers of the Year

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Crystal Bieberle

2025 Primary Teacher of the Year

Crystal brings energy, creativity, and unwavering compassion into her classroom every single day. Her students don’t just learn—they thrive—because they know they are genuinely loved, supported, and safe. Her lessons are lively and imaginative, sparking joy and curiosity in young learners. Whether she’s guiding an engaging academic activity or simply offering a warm smile, she cultivates an environment where every child feels valued and excited to learn.

2024

Marli Wooderson

2024 Primary Teacher of the Year

Marli fits the description of an exceptionally skilled, dedicated, and inspirational teacher perfectly. In her classroom, students engage in meaningful learning experiences that challenge and excite them. Some student favorites include Native American projects, How-To Presentations, and Wax Museum biography research projects.

Her top priority is always what’s best for students. She is dedicated to the MTSS model, planning and preparing individualized instructions for as many as 7 or 8 different small groups. She provides the required support for Tier 2 and Tier 3 students while also offering enrichment to those who need it. Students in Marli’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 groups consistently move out of those lower tiers after receiving instruction from her. She is proof that fidelity to this model works and justifies the time and resources invested in it.

Marli not only takes care of 5th grade but also willingly shares her educational expertise with any coworkers needing assistance, inspiration, or clarification.

Beyond the classroom, Marli is an irreplaceable part of our school family. She is a natural leader who embodies the phrase “see a need, fill a need.” If there is something to be done, Marli is on it. She is always willing to listen to school-related problems and help develop solutions that satisfy everyone involved. Furthermore, she is always available to anyone who needs a listening ear for whatever challenges they are facing in life.

Marli commands immense respect and admiration from students, parents, colleagues, and administrators. Parents particularly appreciate her respectful treatment of students, her high expectations, her communication with families, and her ability to help students flourish. Administrators echo these sentiments. Marli pours her heart and soul into her students, her school, and this district.

2023

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2021

2020

2019

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Annie Gilliland

2024 Secondary Teacher of the Year

Annie is known for her dedication to every student, especially those learning English as a second language. Her classroom is a welcoming, inclusive space where students from all backgrounds are encouraged to participate, take risks, and grow with confidence. She tailors her lessons with remarkable care, integrating language support, cultural experiences, and real-world connections to ensure all students succeed.

2024

Jordan Northerns

2024 Secondary Teacher of the Year

Jordan currently directs four classes of band students at CMS and CHS, and has also directed beginners at CBE in previous years. Jordan’s high school program offers four major components beyond the traditional concert band experience: marching band, drum line, jazz band, and color guard. These components require numerous hours outside the normal school day to succeed; it is safe to say that Jordan works year-round to lead our Circle students to excellence in music interpretation and performance.

Jordan selects and supports student leadership roles for those needing an extra challenge, such as section leaders, drum majors, and the TriM Music Honor Society. He gives his students opportunities to improve their music and ensemble skills, from college-level honor band events in the fall semester to solo and ensemble festivals in the spring. He also includes former students and current music professionals in his summer camps, school performances, and special events like Night of Jazz, to demonstrate that music can be a lifelong pursuit.

Jordan is always available to assist with questions or concerns from elementary band teachers and brings all the 6th-grade band students together for a district-wide concert in February each year. This event helps 6th graders get to know each other and encourages them to continue with band at the secondary level. In PLC discussions about Essential Learnings, Jordan leads the team in considering K-12 connections and ways to provide remediation and enrichment at every level of music instruction.

He also focuses on his professional growth, frequently inviting clinicians from other high schools and colleges to his classroom to critique both his teaching and his students’ performance. Jordan has hosted several student teachers over the last five years and works closely with them to ensure their success after college.

Jordan works to involve the Circle community in his band program, evident in the events he plans and carries out, such as the Bucket Drumming night for elementary students, the Night of Jazz concert at the CHS amphitheater, and the end-of-year event at Stearman’s Field in Benton. Jordan often advocates for his program by requesting community donations and recruiting and utilizing parent volunteers in the Band Parent Council. Our school board recently approved the purchase of new marching band uniforms after Jordan promoted the need for them. He has shown good stewardship in organizing and storing the uniforms properly and setting up an efficient check-out/check-in system for students.

Jordan makes a point to connect with the students on a personal level, creating a positive and encouraging environment in the band. He exemplifies to his co-workers how to build and maintain positive relationships, as many of his students are in his band classroom for six years and thrive both musically and relationally under his leadership.

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

Circle Public Schools Employees of the Year

John Watkins

Operations

John has been instrumental in helping our students and staff transition to the new school building. He has worked to keep the building in exceptional shape, often working whenever necessary which might mean coming in on the on weekend. His administration and staff have been very impressed with his work ethic and dedication. John is a very deserving recipient of this award for his dedication to CBE and the Circle School District.

Tawnya McKee

Classroom Aide

Tawnya is an invaluable member of our team, consistently going above and beyond in her dedication to our students and staff. With a truly giving heart and a willingness to embrace new approaches, she creates opportunities for students to learn and thrive. Tawnya proactively seeks out additional resources and collaborates effectively to ensure all student needs are met.

2024

Jeanne Munsell

Nutrition Services

Jeanne joined Circle Public Schools as a part-time consultant to support our Food Service Director in 2022, later transitioning to assistant nutrition services director. Due to Jeanne’s efforts, our food quality has improved significantly, and we now have more students eating school lunch than ever before.

Susan Page

Classroom Aide

Susan Page is an incredible asset to the CBE family. Her dedication and versatility over the past 18 years show her commitment to both students and staff.

Jen Watkins

Classroom Aide

Jen has done an incredible job of being flexible and positive in supporting student achievement. Her ability to adapt to changing circumstances and maintain a positive attitude has greatly impacted our school community.