Written by Dessiona Jackson
The December Partners in Education Teachers of the Month are in!
Click Here to learn more about our Partners in Education program and nominate an outstanding student or teacher. Nominations are due by 5 p.m. on the 10th of each month.
Read below to learn more about the Teachers of the Month for December:
“Crystal has developed so many positive relationships with her students. She works with at risk students who have deficits in many areas. Students work hard for her, and in turn are showing a tremendous amount of growth.” -Greg Kovack-Administrator
“Ms. Cardenas has demonstrated excellence in the
areas of providing student support by making herself available during office hours, Saturday’s and planning periods. Ms. Cardenas is more than a team player. She is flexible and willing to roll her sleeves up to support the mission of Saint Martin. She agreed to teach an additional course while staffing was a challenge. She always prioritizes instruction and learning while holding students to high standards. Students acknowledge Ms. Cardenas provides timely and effective feedback that results in improved academic achievement. Departments throughout the building also recognized Tara’s support in various capacities such as covering classes when needed, participating in community related activities and events and engaging with families through enrollment and admissions process, to name a few. Ms. Tara Cardenas exemplifies Saint Martin excellence, and her service is greatly appreciated.” – Gina Eaton, Administrator
“Mrs. Zachrich does a great job of presenting the writing material in a way that the students will learn and know it for future use. Daily, she has her students writing and editing to become the best writers they can be. She conferences with each student daily to makes sure he/she is writing to the best of their ability. She also has peers edit each other’s writing. This allows students the option to see different types of writing and get them to see how to improve each other. She expects excellence and she gets it. Her state test scores prove that.” – Nancy Miller, Administrator
“Students love his teaching, and his teammates call him
a friend. Chris Little has a warm heart, greets children by name, intently listens to them and helps them every hour of the day. Chris is one of the most selfless and generous teachers I have ever met. Chris Little exemplifies everything a teacher should strive to be. Not only is he an enthusiastic teacher who draws student attention, but his genuine love for his work shows in his positivity. Chris Little not only goes way above and beyond in the classroom, but he also organized one of the most popular clubs for students, Vandalia’s very first fishing club. If this world had more teachers like him, it would most definitely be a better place.” – David Irwin, Peer Teacher
“Stacy is fairly new in his teaching career. This is his third year teaching 2nd grade. He loves his students, and they love him too. He always has a parent that wants him to teach their child. He is always so calm, and he really listens to what they have to say. He teaches diversity and kindness. I have heard him say ‘Be kind to everyone because not everyone goes home to a warm happy family.’” I wish he could teach every child in the world for just a year. This world would be a much kinder place.” – Tamara Johnson, Parent
“Courtney has always gone above and beyond what
‘normal expectations’ are for her position. This year, in a new position, she has really stepped up to create a better climate within our school. She organized, facilitated and leads a new ‘Functional Friday’ schedule which has positively impacted both staff members and students. This new program allows teachers to educate kids on a subject about which they are passionate. It also provides students with two extra exploratory electives, which they’ve greatly enjoyed! In addition to the monumental task, Mrs. Mays has also implemented Spirit Fridays.” – Russ Breech, Administrator
“Laurel is truly a master of her craft. She is extremely knowledgeable about what choir repertoire makes for a quality educational and musical experience for her students. Laurel conducts herself professionally while maintaining a level of approachability. She builds relationships with each of her students and can name ways in which they have grown as musicians. Laurel cares about her students and strives to craft her choirs so that each class receives a unique musical experience in a caring environment.” – Patti Lammert, Peer Teacher
“Mrs. Poletti is a teacher who cares about the whole
child. Currently, she is teaching her third graders ways to love math. She checks in with students and keeps close tabs on their emotions. A trained teacher who responds to trauma, Mrs. Poletti never gives up on students academically or emotionally. Additionally, she assists her colleagues in research-based ways to respond to students. In addition to students, Mrs. Poletti supports adults in their endeavors to nourish the whole child.” – Jody Ditcher, Administrator
“I met Mrs. Bowman in my capacity as a University Supervisor for Cleveland State University. She is a mentor teacher for one of the student teachers in my class at CSU. Barb Bowman’s classroom was unique among others, both in the school and in others that I visit! She makes math, and specifically algebra, look easy and fun for these students! As a mentor teacher, she exudes confidence and knowledge. Her student teacher has learned a lot just watching her. Additionally, she has applied for numerous grants and mini grants to help fund her amazing classroom. I see lots of teachers, and Mrs. Bowman stands out as a superb educator.” – Carol Shakarian, Administrator