Walsh University Teacher of the Month: Kristen Misbrener, GlenOak
The Repository
COLLEGE Kent State University (undergraduate); currently attending University of Akron for graduate school.
FAMILY My partner, Kerry; our cat, Binx; my parents, Bob and Annette; and my sister, Kelsey.
WHAT SUBJECT DO YOU TEACH? I teach English II, Honors English II, and AP Language and Composition.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? The best part about my job is getting to play a part in the growth of my students and being able to see their identities flourish as they become the truest version of themselves.
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB? The most challenging part of my job is continuing to find new ways to engage my students, no matter the changing circumstances that each new year brings!
Walsh University Teacher of the Month: Shannon McPherson, North Canton
The Repository
SCHOOL – Orchard Hill Intermediate
COLLEGE – University of Akron (English Language Arts: Grades 7-12); Kent State University (Masters in Library Science); Malone University (Gifted Intervention Specialist Endorsement)
WHAT SUBJECTS DO YOU TEACH? – Gifted intervention specialist (grades two to five) and online ELA enrichment (grade seven).
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB – The best part of my job is that I often work with the same students for multiple years, so I get to witness their progression as they grow and learn from year to year. Also, my students genuinely make me laugh each day. They tell the best stories and keep me well-supplied with corny jokes to tell family and friends.
Walsh University Teacher of the Month: Jennifer Podnar, Jackson Local
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RESIDENCE New Franklin
COLLEGE Kent State University for bachelor and master of education.
FAMILY My husband, Steve, and I have three adult children. Our oldest daughter and her husband are expecting their first child, our first grandchild, this spring. Our second daughter is engaged and is planning a summer wedding. Our son, the “baby,” is a college junior. We have one very spoiled rescue dog, Opie, and an 18-year-old American Quarter Horse mare named Skeeter.
WHAT SUBJECT DO YOU TEACH? I currently teach math and science to 9- and 10-year-olds in fourth grade. I have been teaching fourth grade at Jackson for 10 years. I was a reading tutor for two years prior to teaching full time at Jackson.
United Way of Greater Stark County Kid of Character: Brayden Gross, Jackson
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RESIDENCE North Canton
SIBLINGS Dakota Gross
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Football and basketball
NOMINATION Brayden achieves high marks in his classes while juggling athletics. He is a good teammate and demonstrates good sportsmanship.
TELL US WHY YOU PERFORMED YOUR ACTS OF KINDNESS? I want to go to college, so I am working on building good habits now.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE VIDEO GAME, BOOK OR TV SHOW Book, Michael Vey; and I like all kinds of movies.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHHEN YOU GROW UP? I would like to be an architect because it involves math and science – my two favorite subjects.
Walsh University Teacher of the Month: Jennifer Ammond, Plain Local
The Repository
RESIDENCE North Lawrence.
COLLEGE Kent State University and Grand Canyon University.
FAMILY Husband, TJ; and daughters Eva, Arbella and Quinn.
WHAT SUBJECTS DO YOU TEACH? Fifth-grade math.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? Helping kids build confidence to believe in themselves and watching them grow to love math.
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB? Helping students to recognize that productive struggle is the way in which we learn the most. As teachers, we want to help the students, but teaching them how to teach others is very rewarding.