Chester County’s top teachers this year not only believe in their students, they dedicate their lives to making those students successful.
Through nearly 70 years of passionate service, innovative ideas, frontline leadership and cutting-edge technology, three exemplary educators have emerged as Citadel’s top Heart of Learning Award winners, according to a recent announcement.
Second-grade teacher Sally R. Bopp from West Chester’s Mary C. Howse Elementary School, gifted teacher Julie Myers from Oxford’s Penn’s Grove Middle School and math teacher Michael J. Kelly from Kennett High School were selected from 15 finalists and more than 1,200 nominees to receive an additional $1,500 prize toward classroom supplies.
“Ms. Bopp delivers excellent education in a personal, caring way. She uses many creative instruction methods, outside of textbooks and worksheets, to accommodate all academic levels,” one nominating colleague wrote, citing Internet-based learning platform Moodle as one example. “She is an outstanding teacher, consistently working above and beyond expectations to deliver and enhance curriculum,” including the use of personalized at-home practice lessons and a high-quality annual class play.
Myers has translated school test data into innovative teaching strategies, including co-teaching for specific instruction and iPad enrichment.
“Ms. Myers is a diverse and dynamic classroom teacher and a valuable and contributing educational leader,” her nomination stated. “She shares her knowledge with her colleagues by leading department and team meetings and conducting professional development sessions. She understands how to incorporate enriching performance tasks that make learning challenging as well as fun and interesting.”
And Kelly has led by example, serving as math department chairman, senior class advisor, education association president and member of professional development, new teacher induction and teacher evaluation committees.
“Mr. Kelly has developed a classroom climate where his students believe, without a doubt, that he wants them to succeed,” a nomination excerpt asserted. “Mr. Kelly believes that he can teach every child to achieve at a high rate. When we believe, we achieve.”
Check out Vista.Today’s coverage of all 15 finalists for the Heart of Learning Award here.
