The Westerville Education Foundation (WEF) named three educators Teacher of the Month for February – Katie Workman, Early Learning Center Preschool; Amy Kreuzer, Fouse Elementary; and Amanda King, Westerville South High School.
Katie Workman is described by her nominator as engaged and encouraging. “She goes beyond the requirements of the curriculum to make learning fun, engaging, and meaningful,” says her nominator. Workman leverages available technology by using an app to communicate with parents and works closely with them to ensure that the lessons children are learning are also easily reinforced at home. Part of this is a social/emotional theme that is discussed each week. “She’s inspired me to keep working hard with my child at home by sharing ideas,” specifically those that are intended to help and support nonverbal children. Workman’s nominator concludes by saying she always shares successes and “it feels like she’s on your team and rooting for you and your child to succeed.”
Amy Kreuzer is described by her nominator as inclusive and caring. “I love to see how Mrs. Kreuzer teaches the class both in large group and small group settings in order to be sure no child is left out due to their learning level,” says her nominator. Kreuzer understands that each child has a different way of learning and leverages alternative methods for concepts, so each child has an understanding of the lesson. “This is crucial in the schooling environment where some students learn differently than what is the standard way of teaching. This differentiated instruction benefits every student in the class no matter their instructional level.” Kreuzer’s nominator concludes by saying, “Mrs. Kreuzer has been teaching for over 30 years and yet her enthusiasm and joy seem only to have grown with time.”
Amanda King was nominated by a student and is described as encouraging and compassionate. King’s nominator says, “Mrs. King is the type of teacher that makes sure you are okay and she always checks up on you. Every day she puts a smile on your face.” King works with her students and encourages them to do their best. She shuts down negative talk and creates a positive environment for students to learn. “When I go into her class, she never lets me say I can’t do something. She always makes me think positive, and makes me be a better person. She has taught me to chase my goals no matter what.” King’s nominator concludes by saying, “She always goes above and beyond when I ask for help. She will always try and help because she wants her students to do well. She doesn’t have to do this, but she does because of the love for her students and the great teacher she is.”
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.