The Westerville Education Foundation (WEF) named three educators Teacher of the Month for November – Ben Ashwill, Pointview Elementary School; Eric Hoogeveen, Genoa Middle School; and Mary Fuchs, Westerville South High School.
Ben Ashwill is described by his nominator as inspirational and ready to contribute. The nominator, a fellow teacher, says, “Ben’s love of learning and teaching inspires me every time I sit down and talk with him.” Mr. Ashwill’s enthusiasm is contagious not only to fellow teachers, but to his students as well. “Three years ago, Pointview Elementary School started the journey of becoming a Lighthouse School… From the first day this initiative was rolled out, Ben was at the forefront helping lead teachers and students! Ben saw the hope it could bring out school and quickly developed several ideas to help spark student interest and motivation.” His nominator concludes by saying, “In a world where some students only have school as a safe place, Ben helps make sure that their safe place is always there for them.”
Eric Hoogeveen is described by his nominator as supportive and motivational. “Mr. Hoogeveen has been my son’s Motivator-in-Chief,” says his nominator. He works with his students to transform their past experiences to translate into future successes. “Mr. Hoogeveen has inspired my son and has made school fun for him by helping him succeed in his day-to-day school activities. These successes have been reflected in his overall achievement at Genoa.” His nominator concludes by saying, “Mr. Hoogeveen has the ability to straight talk an on eleven year old’s level; this communication skill is not learned but is an innate part of his skills as a teacher. He innovates in his classroom by incorporating all my son’s experiences into his time with him in the classroom.”
Mary Fuchs is described by her nominator as caring and compassionate. “Mary simply does go above and beyond her classroom duties to help make Westerville South students her top priority,” her nominator said. Mrs. Fuchs brought back the school newspaper as well as leads the Global Scholars Program for the school. “[This program] inspires kids - not just her students - throughout the school to broaden their horizons and meet new people, challenge themselves, and ultimately add a fabulous accreditation to their diploma; one that can enable them to secure college scholarships.” Her nominator concludes by saying, “Mary makes time for her students in a personal, compassionate, hands-on manner… she truly listens to and cares about what her students need and works hard to meet and exceed these needs.”
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.