Tyler Watts Presented with Making a Difference Award

During an all-school assembly at Monticello Trails Middle School, the USD 232 Education Foundation surprised Tyler Watts, who teaches sixth-grade science and computer coding at MTMS, with the USD 232 Making a Difference Award for February 2025. This monthly honor, supported by the USD 232 Education Foundation in collaboration with Great American Bank, aims to honor outstanding staff within the district who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to positively influencing the lives of students.

As noted from his parent nomination:

“Prior to joining his class, my daughter was never a science fan, it was always one of the "most boooooring" subjects.  But my daughter talks about Mr. Watts' class all the time and how much she enjoys the experiments they do, hand's-on activities and just how much Mr. Watts will act goofy or whatever is needed to make them all have fun while learning.  There are a ton of great teachers in USD 232, and Tyler is an outstanding example of one of the greats!  He's the kind of teacher kids REMEMBER!”

Tyler joined the staff at MTMS as a sixth grade science teacher for the 2023-24 school year. In a short amount of time, Tyler has become an integral part of the MT team. In addition to his science classes this year, he is also teaching a new coding class and offered to coach the MTMS Science Olympiad team.

Mr. Watts earned his Bachelor of Science in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology from the University of Kansas in 2008, then earned his Master of Arts in Secondary Education from Pittsburg State University in 2010. Tyler also became an Educational Specialist in Educational Administration in May 2013.

As part of the Making a Difference Award, Tyler was presented with a $250 check from the USD 232 Education Foundation and Great American Bank. She also received a Making a Difference Award trophy, thoughtfully designed by CAPS students at Cedar Trails Exploration Center.

The USD232EF is currently accepting nominations for the next Making a Difference Award. Nominations will be received through the end of March 2025 with the next award being presented in April. Monthly entries are encouraged as new nominations are reviewed monthly.