Congratulations to January’s KFM Teacher of the Month – Stephanie Davidson – a Cross Categorical Teacher teacher at Silas Willard in Galesburg. Stephanie was nominated by Ginny Rogers who’s grandson is a student in Stephanie’s class. Here’s a little bit about Stephanie:
Where did you grow up? Crystal Lake, Illinois
How many years teaching? 20
Favorite subject growing up? Reading
Favorite subject to teach? Reading
Favorite Book? The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Favorite Food? Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza
Least Favorite Food? Salmon
Favorite Movie? Matilda
Favorite TV show? High School Musical the series
Favorite Sports Team? North Central Women’s Basketball
What do you like to do in your spare time? Go on nature walks with my family
Something about you that people may not know: I climbed a mountain
Here’s what Ginny had to say about Stephanie:
What sets this teacher apart from others?
I have a grandson in 4th grade that has a neurological disorder, which causes him seizures and to be dyslexic and suffer from Very Severe Anxiety. He couldn’t read or write at the beginning of this year. As of today because of her help, he is reading, at K-1 grade level, but he is reading and writing. She has built up his self esteem so much that he no longer calls himself “stupid” because he can’t read like everyone else. Also, he has many things that cause him to have anxiety attacks. She is ALWAYS there for him. If they go into lockdown, if school alarms go off, or if there is a bad storm going on, she will drop everything she is doing to go and find him. She is such an amazing asset to Galesburg 205. He trusts her and completely and knows she will keep him safe.
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?
Mrs. Davidson allows my grandson to call me when his anxiety is getting the best of him. If Leam is sick, she will email me or call me to make sure he is ok. If any alarm goes off at school, if there is a bad storm or if there is a lockdown, she will drop everything she is doing to go find him because she knows his anxiety is escalating.
Give an example of a way this teacher has helped or impacted you or your child.
Starting this year, my grandson could not read hardly at all. He could read two letter words and some 3 letter words. He could only read 53 words. He can now read over 200 words. He is exceeding every goal that was set for him. She has built his confidence. He hated reading but now he tries to read every word he sees. Also, because of his anxiety being so bad, I used to have to be at the school at 2 pm and wait for an hour and a half to wait for him to be released. Now, we are now getting to the school at 2:45. It may not seem like a big deal to many, but, it is a huge deal to us. He was always afraid of me forgetting him but because of her and her compassion and love she shows him, he doesn’t fear it. She has given us her personal cell phone number so that if he is at home and wants to call her, he can. Silas Willard, Galesburg 205 and my family would be lost without her.
As KFM’s January Teacher of the Month, Stephanie wins the Big Red Apple Award, a $100 gift card and bouquet. Congratulations Stephanie Davidson from Galesburg Nissan, Tompkins State Bank, Cooks-n-Company, Lacky Monuments and 105.3 KFM
