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Meet October’s KFM Teacher of the Month

October’s KFM Teacher of the Month is Heather Hellenga, a 5th grade teacher at Steele School in Galesburg. Heather was nominated by Colleen Noonan, a fellow teacher at Steele. As KFM’s Teacher of the Month, Heather receives the Big Red Apple Award along with a $100 gift card and other gifts courtesy of Galesburg Nissan, Tompkins State Bank, Lacky Monuments, Cooks & Company, Art Defined and 105.3 KFM. Here’s a little bit about Heather:

Where did you grow up? Galesburg
Years teaching: 26
Favorite Subject Growing Up: Language Arts
Favorite Subject To Teach: Social Studies
Favorite Food: Goat Cheese pizza from Baked
Least Favorite Food: Okra
My Favorite Movie: Can’t think of one
My Favorite TV Show: The Good Wife
My Favorite Book: Lonesome Dove
My Favorite Sports Team: Don’t have one
During My Spare Time I Like To: Hang out with my friends. Read and Cook

Here’s what Colleen had to say about Heather:

What sets this teacher apart from others?
Ms. Hellenga goes above and beyond to help her students become more informed citizens of the community. She brings in people from the community to talk with her students about their lives, experiences, and unique differences. She regularly discusses with her students “hard topics” ranging from stereotypes, diversity, and cultural differences. Many teachers shy away from these topics because they are emotionally charged but Ms. Hellenga knows that by not discussing these things she does her students a disservice. She is committed to exposing her students to all sorts of wonderful, unique, engaging, diverse people.

What is one thing this teacher does that is not in their job description but they do it anyway to help you or your child?
Ms. Hellenga does Morning Meeting with her students in an authentic way that allows ALL students to have a voice, get a chance to share, and get to know each other on a deeper level. Morning Meeting affords the opportunity to practice soft skills like eye contact and handshakes in a comfortable, safe setting. Every student is greeted, heard, acknowledged, and part of the group. Ms. Hellenga doesn’t have to do Morning Meeting but she understands the impact that really seeing and hearing her students has on them and on herself. She is exceptional!

Give an example of a way this teacher has helped or impacted you or your child
I am a fellow teacher of Ms. Hellenga’s. Last school year, she brought Mocha With a Muslim to the staff of Steele School. She organized and coordinated with the Knox College Islamic group to have teachers and college students from the group meet, ask questions, and “hang out” together in a relaxed setting. This is powerful work and her mission of breaking down barriers and stereotypes is helping people see others in a new light. I appreciate her dedication to not just her students but to other teachers.

Congratulations Heather Hellenga, Ocotber’s KFM Teacher of the Month from Galesburg Nissan, Tompkins State Bank, Lacky Monuments, Cooks & Company, Art Defined and 105.3 KFM.

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