Adams named 2018 BP Teacher of Excellence

Cordova High School Principal Kate Williams, left, and Cordova High School teacher Debra Adams display Adams’ 2018 BP Teacher of Excellence award on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Photo courtesy of Kate Williams/for The Cordova Times

Cordova Jr./Sr. High School teacher Debra Adams is one of 29 educators statewide to be honored as a 2018 BP Teacher of Excellence, for her exceptional performance in the classroom, dedication to students, and contribution to the state’s future.

“I’m just a bit overwhelmed by it,” she said. “I’m very touched by being acknowledged.”

Adams teaches language arts, English, literature and drama at the Cordova Jr./Sr. High School.

Adams came to Cordova in 1983 to teach, planning to stay for only one year. More than 30 years later, she is still teaching and talks proudly of her school and staff.

“We have a veteran staff and a dedicated staff and everyone … goes the extra mile,” she said. “The community is involved with the school and that’s what makes the school vibrant and lively.”

Adams also values the relationships she has established with her students.

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The Cordova High School held a morning assembly on Tuesday, May 8 to honor Adams.

The program this year attracted more than 1,000 nominations from across Alaska. Now in its 23rd year, BP has recognized 750 teachers from across Alaska. Winning teachers receive a $500 gift card and a $500 matching grant to their school.

“BP is honored to continue supporting this great program and celebrating teachers who represent the best of our state,” said BP Alaska Regional President Janet Weiss. “It’s part of BP’s ongoing commitment to the communities where we live and work and to the future of Alaska.”

Previous Cordova winners of this award include Mt. Eccles’ Marleen Moffitt in 2015 and Pamela Jones in 2014.

For the complete list of winners across the state visit, BPteachers.com.

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Emily Mesner
Emily Mesner is a staff reporter and photographer for The Cordova Times. Reach her at emesner@thecordovatimes.com. Emily graduated from Central Michigan University, earning a degree in photojournalism with a cultural competency certificate. She first visited Alaska in 2016, working as a media intern for the National Park Service in Kotzebue and Denali National Park and Preserve, and has been coming back ever since. To see more photos, follow @thecordovatimes and @emilymesnerphoto on Instagram.