The Westerville Education Foundation (WEF) named three educators Teacher of the Month for October – Stephanie Fitzpatrick, Wilder Elementary School; Nikki Kilbane, Hawthorne Elementary School; and Morgan Shawver, Huber Ridge Elementary School. Each received a certificate and $100 to spend on classroom activities.
Stephanie Fitzpatrick is described by her nominator as being organized and compassionate, saying her kids are very familiar with her room and all of its stations. Fitzpatrick works with students to get them in a routine and sets procedures to help them thrive. “She is excellent at teaching young kids how to follow set procedures and teaches kids how to be compassionate, patient, and use manners – a much needed lesson in the world.” The nominator concludes by saying, “I am so blessed to have already had Mrs. Fitzpatrick as my daughter’s kindergarten teacher… And now I feel relieved and excited to have my son start his school career with Mrs. Fitzpatrick!”
Nikki Kilbane is described by her nominator as being engaged and dedicated. “I am blown away by the tactics Mrs. Kilbane uses to keep her students engaged not only in the classroom – but with each other,” says her nominator. Kilbane utilizes “brag tags” that can be given by her students to others for reinforcing positive behaviors and kind actions. “She is a true gem to Hawthorne and I thank her for thinking outside the box with her teaching.” Kilbane’s nominator concludes by saying, “She is enriching the lives of these young second graders and building their confidence and teaching diversity in a world where things are ever changing. Teachers carry the weight of the world on their shoulders.”
Morgan Shawver is described by her nominator as committed and a wonderful role model. “In addition to the daily curriculum, she teaches her students life lessons including how to be respectful, patient, and kind towards one another,” says her nominator. Shawver is dedicated to her students and wants them to be as excited about learning as she is about teaching. “Before school began, Mrs. Shawver brought a scrapbook of activities to our home, and our child (who was indifferent towards school) actually got very excited to start Kindergarten after meeting with her.” The nominator concludes by saying, “She clearly has a long-term impact on her students and we are so excited that our child is in her classroom. Mrs. Shawver is a beautiful soul and teachers like her are very rare.”
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.