Two FSPS educators were selected by Mrs. Baird's Baking Company as its "Teachers on the Rise" for the month of December. The program recognizes three area teachers each month based on nomination essays submitted by their students.

Kathryn Duncan, a teacher at Carnall Elementary, was chosen as the elementary recipient after being nominated by the mother of student Haley Cozort. During Carnall's Rise and Shine program on December 17, Shane Sumrow, director of the Mrs. Baird's Teacher on the Rise program, surprised Duncan and Cozort with the announcement. 

In nominating Duncan, Cozort's mother wrote that the teacher "makes my daughter feel special and makes school fun and exciting for her." She went on to explain that Duncan "finds a way to make Haley understand how to do the work" and that her daughter "has progressed with Mrs. Duncan as her teacher." 

Ramsey teacher Leigh Merry was selected as the junior high school level December "Teacher on the Rise." She was nominated by student Bobbie Sumner. In her essay, Sumner noted that Mrs. Merry "has a passion for Civics and makes me want to have one, too." She explained that Merry works hard to prepare students for exams and finds ways to relate current issues in ways that will make it easier for students to understand and remember. Sumrow surprised Merry in her classroom in front of her fifth-period class. 

Duncan and Merry were each awarded a $250 Walmart gift card and a $150 prize for window tinting from KISR. Sumrow also presented both teachers with a basket of Mrs. Baird's products and baked goods. The nominating students received a $50 Walmart gift card for their submission. The teachers will qualify to win the grand prize which will be awarded in June.

Cavanaugh Teacher Natasha Shoate was selected as an earlier month's elementary school recipient.