Lynchburg names teacher of the year

R.S. Payne Elementary School teacher Kim Beuerle was named Lynchburg City Schools’ 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year in a surprise event Monday morning.

Beuerle, a nine-year teaching veteran, was speechless when Superintendent Paul McKendrick and Deputy Superintendent Roger Roberts visited her classroom with a balloon and flowers in hand.

An overwhelmed Beuerle managed to get out a few words.

“It’s embarrassing,” she said, trying to cover her face with a bouquet of roses McKendrick brought. “It’s exciting.”

Her second-grade class watched in confusion before McKendrick explained what was happening.

“Every year we try and find the best teacher in the city,” he said. “This year, it’s your teacher.”