The Westerville Education Foundation (WEF) named three educators Teacher of the Month for September – Jeffrey Miltko, Emerson Elementary School; Brooke Smith, Hanby Elementary School; and Jeffrey McMillan, Blendon Middle School.
Jeffrey Miltko has exceeded the expectations of his nominator, resulting in the best school experience so far for her daughter. Through his patient, kind and friendly approach to education, Mr. Miltko has inspired her to be more analytical, observant and motivated to learn about math, robotics and engineering. His efforts to run successful Lego and Robotics clubs are appreciated, as are his efforts to secure grant dollars to fund the activities. Mr. Miltko’s nominator concludes by saying he is “a teacher who really loves to be a teacher and strives that his students learn beyond the assigned curriculum.”
Brooke Smith wears two hats as a classroom teacher and supporter of Hanby Elementary’s PTA. Ms. Smith co-planned the school’s largest fundraiser last year and serves as the PTA’s Vice President for Communications & Technology. Ms. Smith also has been vital to the success of the nominator’s two children. Ms. Smith ensured that special needs of the nominator’s son were being met, and she has been such an inspiration to her daughter that she says she wants to be a teacher like Ms. Smith when she grows up. The non-traditional classroom environment created by Ms. Smith includes wobble chairs, a lounge area, cushions and small rockers. Students can choose the seating that suits them best, which meets individual learning styles and helps them produce their best work.
Inspired by his kindness, Jeffrey McMillan’s nominator describes him as someone who has “gone above and beyond to support my child.” As new residents of the Westerville City School District, the nominator’s family immediately felt welcomed due to the time and attention offered by Mr. McMillan. He met and spoke with the family about opportunities for their student athlete, which made the student feel at ease. He helped introduce the family to others and on the first day of school, greeted the student at the door with a high five. An educator herself, the nominator appreciates the team and family atmosphere Mr. McMillan has created at the school.
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.