The Westerville Education Foundation (WEF) named three educators Teacher of the Month for October – Betsi Byers-Spurlock, Fouse Elementary School; Brian Shanks, Huber Ridge Elementary School; and Jennifer Walpole, Westerville North High School.
Betsi Byers-Spurlock is described by her nominator as supportive and gifted. “They learned to count, read, and write, but more importantly, how to love school, in her class,” says her nominator. Ms. Spurlock works with each student to ensure one of their first experiences with school is a positive one. “She also instilled a growth-mindset in the children, by constantly reminding them that when they made mistakes their brain grew. We use her words of wisdom in our home almost every day.” Her nominator concludes by saying, “Her ability to adjust to every child, to cater to their individual needs, and to bring the parents as partner into her strategies is what makes her incredibly gifted at what she does.”
Brian Shanks is described by his nominator as encouraging and patient. “I met Mr. Shanks and immediately realized he was meant to teach and I am grateful he is my daughter’s teacher,” his nominator said. Mr. Shanks creates a comfortable and welcoming environment for his students as well as parents during orientation. “My daughter thinks Mr. Shanks is the best teacher she has had so far.” Her nominator concludes by saying, “He has inspired my daughter to really focus on listening and behaving while in class.”
Jennifer Walpole is described by her nominator as caring and respectful. “My son enjoyed and excelled in Mrs. Walpole’s class because, he said, ‘she makes the class fun and interesting!’” Her nominator also shared that by creating a fun and safe environment through games and competitions, students are able to excel and come out of their shell. “I can say that my son has always respected Mrs. Walpole as a teacher, as well as a mentor,” her nominator said. “As such, she exemplifies caring, concern, and respect to her students and their families.” Her nominator concludes by saying, “Her approach inspires me to be a more caring professional in my field of work as well.”
The Westerville Education Foundation’s Teacher of the Month Program is sponsored by Education First Credit Union and ThisWeek Community News, with support from Otterbein University. The Mission of the Westerville Education Foundation is to enrich the learning experience and broaden the minds of our students through the funding and support of innovative educational programs. To nominate, give or join, please visit www.WestervilleEducationFoundation.com.