COLUMBUS — Mrs. Michelle Vance, the talented and gifted instructor for second, third, fourth and fifth graders at Bucyrus Elementary School, was named the 2017 Ohio Association for Gifted Children Teacher of the Year Award during the association’s annual conference last month in Columbus.

Vance’s primary role in the district is serving elementary school students that have been identified as talented and gifted. She has also contributed to the secondary school by teaching lessons in the middle school and high school engineering classes.

“It is such a joy to watch gifted students grow in their knowledge, be challenged, share their challenging experiences, and be eager to learn as much as possible,” said Vance, of Galion. “It brings me great joy to be part of their learning experience.”

Students who work with Vance study robotics and learn about a variety of ways they are used in today’s world. These talented and gifted students also apply the rigor of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) content while engaging in activities that investigate the natural world.

“This is a well-deserved honor,” said Superintendent Kevin Kimmel. “The relationships she builds with students allow her to be able to stretch their learning to new heights, and she is always willing to go the extra mile by offering technology support or ideas to deepen student learning for our staff. She is an invaluable part of the Redmen family.”