Congratulations to November’s KFM Teacher of the Month – Melanie Kochersperger – a Kindergarten teacher at Steele Elementary School. Melanie — or “Mr’s K” as kids call her — was nominated by Elizabeth Culbertson who’s son is a student in Melanie’s class. Here’s a little bit about Melanie:
Where did you grow up? Galesburg
How many years teaching? 21
Favorite subject growing up? Writing
Favorite subject to teach? Reading
Favorite Book? The Chronicles of Narnia
Favorite Food? Lasagna
Least Favorite Food? Seafood
Favorite Movie? Ice Age
Favorite TV show? House Hunters
Favorite Sports Team? Mets
What do you like to do in your spare time? Read and play board games with my family
Something about you that people may not know: I used to be in a traveling singing group
Here’s what Elizabeth had to say about Melanie:
What sets this teacher apart from others? Mrs. K. genuinely cares about all her students; she is patient, calm, and understanding. She is a well-seasoned teacher who has some tough students in her class, but she is able to successfully handle them while handling the rest of her class with grace and poise. She is attentive and responsive to parent and student needs. She has a large class (24) of kindergarteners which would be a challenge for anyone, but she runs a tight ship and keeps them all in line. She is truly a compassionate and caring teacher who wants the best for each of her students and strives to provide the best for each of them and their unique needs and struggles.
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? I don’t think it was in her job description, but 2 days before school started- she personally came to our house to introduce herself to us and my son who is in her class. She brought him some “Welcome to K” goodies and got him excited to go to a new school. My 2 year old son came up and handed her something and she took it in ease. Come to find out it was melted chocolate! It was definitely not part of her job to take melted chocolate from my 2 year old or to do a home visit, but she did it anyways and rolled with the punches.
Give an example of a way this teacher has helped or impacted you or your child. She is very responsive to parent requests and concerns. Our son is on the smaller side and was getting bullied by a few other kids. He was too scared to say anything, but when he did- she jumped on the situation and made sure he wasn’t in any position to get hurt again. She also makes sure she personally walks him out of school every day to ensure nothing happens to him and checks in with him every day.
As KFM’s November Teacher of the Month, Melanie wins the Big Red Apple Award, a $100 gift card and bouquet. Congratulations Melanie from Galesburg Nissan, Tompkins State Bank, Cooks-n-Company, Lacky Monuments and 105.3 KFM
