2006 IMLA Region 5  Educator of the Year

Maria Wilson

    Maria Wilson is the Region 5 Middle Level Educator of the Year.  She is a Franklin Middle School Science teacher.  Maria was nominated by a former colleague from her days teaching middle school in American Falls.  Camille Hill nominated Maria and commented on her leadership, versatility and joy of teaching. 

    Maria’s dedication to her students and to her profession cause her to stand out in the middle school arena.  She “sees each student as an opportunity to make the world a better place”.  Her principal, Francie Stephens said, “Maria is a wonderful leader by example to all who are around her.  Maria is the picture perfect example of a middle school teacher.  She knows that all her students can learn and she sees that it happens.” 

    In her nomination of Maria, Camille Hill, a counselor for school district 25 said, “Mrs. Wilson’s students find her caring, compassionate, and genuinely concerned, not only for their education, but for whom they are as individuals.  They find her approachable, quick to assure them and easy to confide in.” 

    Maria ventured out and had a career as a physician’s assistant for some years.  She returned to education because she found her fulfillment there.  Maria made WTMS proud when she taught with us and we certainly weren’t surprised to find that Franklin’s faculty holds her in high regard also!