Stony Point High School Journalism Teacher Rebecca Plumley has been named the recipient of the Max R. Haddick Teacher of the Year Award, presented by the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC).
The honor was announced April 17 at the ILPC annual convention, held at the University of Texas at Austin. Plumley was also selected as the 2017 Teacher of the Year at Stony Point.
ILPC, an affiliate of the University Interscholastic League, is one of the nation’s largest state high school associations of student newspapers and yearbooks.
Plumley is a master of her craft, which is consistently demonstrated from the success of her journalism students at numerous local, state and national competition, said Caron St. Onge, secondary English language arts curriculum coordinator.
“Ms. Plumley is an industrious and dedicated professional who cares greatly about her students, St. Onge said. “Her commitment to excellence in education is apparent in all that she has undertaken for Round Rock ISD.”
Plumley has advised publications for 18 years. As a teacher she has been honored in several areas. She has been named as an Edith Fox King recipient for leadership in scholastic journalism in Texas and her students have won just about every state and national journalism award — from ILPC Star Awards to NSPA Pacemakers.
Plumley is a go-to advisor for ILPC leadership in Texas, which utilizes her knowledge and passion for helping students and advisors produce quality publications, said Jeanne Acton, ILPC director and UIL journalism director.
“Rebecca is an amazing teacher and so deserving of the award,” Acton said. “If I need help, I know all I have to do is call Rebecca and she’s always willing to help in any way she can. She’s incredibly knowledgeable about this field, and she readily shares with teachers and students alike.”
In the past six years as a journalism advisor, Plumley has had the opportunity to see students grow, take on responsibility and exceed expectations, she said.
“When I started teaching, I wasn’t sure what my purpose was or even why or how I landed in the education world,” Plumley said. “Now, I know I have a calling. While my professional role is to teach journalism, my personal goal is to use journalism to help those around me to live a great life.”
