Tim
Fisher is the 2019 recipient of the Joseph and Anna Marie Karaffa Award for
Excellence in Education. Mr. Fisher is a 1997 graduate of Toronto High School and a
2002 graduate of West Liberty University.
He began his career in the Toronto City School District in 2002 when he
was hired as a special education teacher at Lincoln Elementary School. Currently, Mr. Fisher works as an
intervention specialist at Toronto Jr.-Sr. High School and serves as president
of the Toronto Education Association.
Nominators
described Mr. Fisher as an energetic and dynamic teacher who does an
outstanding job of accommodating his students' unique learning needs. He uses
humor and an infinite supply of patience to engage his students and help them
understand new material. Mr. Fisher has the ability to adapt to new and ever
changing situations He understands the importance of building relationships
with his students and parents. He serves as an advocate for all special
education students in the building and truly believes that all students deserve
the best education possible.
Mr. Fisher is the son
of JoLynn and the late Gary Fisher, former Superintendent of Toronto City
Schools. He resides in Wintersville. Mr. Fisher has a son Camden who is a
pre-school student at Karaffa Elementary School.
The Joseph and Anna
Marie Karaffa Award for Excellence in Education is presented annually to a
teacher or administrator active in Toronto City Schools. The award was
established to recognize the efforts of an outstanding teacher or administrator
for creating an environment where teaching and learning are valued. Past
recipients include: Michelle Blazek (2018), Rick Hlivko (2017), Cindy Hinerman
(2016), Kirk George (2015), Sally George (2015), Jane Brower (2013), Jennifer
Dickinson (2012), Donna McCasland (2011), Ellen Hughes (2010), Mary Jo Kuhn
(2009), Lynda Glenn (2008), Charlene Starr (2007), Linda Blair (2006), Linda
Antonucci (2005), Gary Fisher (2004), Maureen Taggart (2003), James Ray (2002),
Susan Buckham (2001), Barbara Carter (2000), Kirk George (1999), and Barbara
Pritts (1998). Nominations for the award were accepted from students, teachers,
administrators, parents, and alumni.