The Westerville Education Foundation has named three educators Teacher of the Month for December – Keith Alasti, Westerville Central High School; Karol Hanley, Fouse Elementary School; and Nell Liston, Blendon Middle School.
Keith Alasti is described by his nominator as a role model for all students who come through his classroom. Two things the nominator most admires about him are his integrity and his character. “Too often in the professional world people bend the rules or push the limits, but I have found Keith to be a stand up man who always delivers on what he says he will do,” wrote the nominator. “I couldn’t think of better traits in a teacher than those two as we send our kids into his classroom each and every day.” The nominator shared how Alasti used to help coach the Westerville South High School football team, and how his coaching style conveyed that he cared for the players as if they were his own kids. “He wasn’t just a coach to the kids, but he truly cared about them and acted as a role model to them as well,” the nominator concluded.
Karol Hanley is described by her nominator as an enthusiastic, energetic and responsive educator who goes the extra mile for her students. As the parent of an “over-talkative” and “highly energetic, if not super-silly” child, the nominator greatly appreciates Hanley’s effective and constructive ways to improve such behavior. As a result, the nominator’s child has matured, become more positive and learned the critical skill of self-discipline. His son has advanced to a grade 5-6 reading level even though he is only in second grade. “I still don't fully know what exact magic she did,” wrote the nominator. “I cannot fully express my appreciation to Mrs. Hanley to turn my (son) into a mature and a star reader.”
Nell Liston is described by her nominator as a patient, understanding educator who not only leads by example, but who sets expectations that help students grow and develop academically and personally. “Mrs. Liston has been my son’s homeroom teacher for the past two years and has taken the time to understand his special needs and help him overcome daily roadblocks to help him keep on track with his education,” the nominator explained. “She always has a positive attitude and strives to ensure that every student gets the attention they need while in her care.” In addition to finding creative ways to keep students focused on the task at hand, Liston motivates them by setting goals and rewarding their accomplishments. “She will work late into the evening contacting parents to discuss their children and keep them informed on how the child is doing in her class,” the nominator wrote. “She is very passionate about her job and has a vested interest in seeing every student succeed.”
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.