Canton Repository Teacher of the Month: Tina Peters, Fairless Local
NAME – Tina Peters
SCHOOL – Fairless Elementary School
RESIDENCE – Navarre
HIGH SCHOOL ALMA MATER – Canton South High School
COLLEGE – University of Akron (bachelor); and Ashland University (master)
FAMILY – Husband, Jon; son Lucas; daughter Rebecca; daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Jake; and grandson Garrett.
NOMINATION – "Tina Peters has been devoted to Fairless Local Schools for over 20 years. She is a dedicated educator who consistently goes above and beyond for students and staff. She fosters a dynamic and engaging learning environment through experiments and technology. Students are frequently doing student-centered tasks and learn to collaborate with their peers in her classroom. Tina is a teacher leader that inspires her colleagues and advocates for her 5th grade team. She is known for her exceptional organizational skills, creating a structured and efficient classroom environment. A true team player, she collaborates with fellow educators, contributing to a positive and supportive school culture."
WHAT SUBJECTS DO YOU TEACH – Fifth-grade science and social studies.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? – One of the best parts of my job is seeing former students. I live in the Fairless community, so I get to see a lot of my former students outside of the school setting. It’s always great to talk with them and learn how well they are doing as adults, parents and active community members.
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB? – The most challenging part is time. There never seems to be enough of it.
WHAT SECRET TO SUCCESS WOULD YOU SHARE WITH STUDENTS? – Never stop learning! We learn new things every day, but always look for ways to continue learning!
IS TEACHING KIDS THE SAME TODAY AS WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED? – Teaching has definitely changed in my 24 years. Some good, some bad. The biggest change I’ve enjoyed is the use of technology. Technology gives teachers so many resources available to enrich and encourage our students’ learning.
YOUR STUDENTS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT YOU … – ... are teaching science. My students always think that this was my favorite subject in school. I think they’d be surprised to know that science was my least favorite subject in school.
WHAT IS YOUR HIDDEN TALENT? – I’m not sure if it’s a talent, but my family and friends joke that I have” the memory of an elephant”. I tend to remember names, faces, and small details that most people have long forgotten.
IF YOU WEREN’T A TEACHER, YOU’D BE … – I honestly don’t know. I never considered other options.
AFTER A LONG DAY AT WORK, WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO RELAX? – Most days, I’m very much a homebody. I enjoy coming home and relaxing in the quiet. That being said, I always enjoy spending time with family and friends and look forward to the time I get to spend with them.
Other nominations
ALLIANCE
Suzanne Stieglitz, music/choir at Alliance Intermediate School – Suzanne is a music teacher who strives to teach the WHOLE child. She is constantly tapping into the unique interests and developmental characteristics of her fourth/fifth graders to engage them musically and support their emotional needs. Suzanne initiates behavior contracts, classroom reward systems and student-tailored incentives all on her own. And the music they create is AMAZING! AIS is lucky to have a problem-solver dedicated to the holistic growth of our students.
Robert Fountain, junior cosmetology at Alliance High School – Robert Fountain came through our cosmetology program himself and works hard to inspire his students the same way he was during his time here. He engages his students daily and gives them authentic opportunities to practice and show their new skills.
CANTON CITY
Courtney Hinerman, intervention specialist, Youtz − Courtney is a teacher who models learning and growing for her students. She embraces doing the hard work and helps everyone in the building, as well as constantly challenging herself to learn more and do more for all of the students of Canton City Schools.
Rita McMillen, science, McKinley High School − Rita is a leader for all staff, she is a wealth of knowledge and is always willing to help and support her colleagues. She goes above and beyond for our students and our district.
CANTON LOCAL
Christy Guarendi, third grade, Faircrest Memorial Elementary School – Christy has boundless energy when it comes to engaging students in learning. She is a team player who collaborates with her colleagues and maintains open and effective communication with students and their families.
FAIRLESS LOCAL
Tina Peters, fifth-grade science and social studies – Tina Peters has been devoted to Fairless Local Schools for over 20 years. She is a dedicated educator who consistently goes above and beyond for students and staff. She fosters a dynamic and engaging learning environment through experiments and technology. Students are frequently doing student-centered tasks and learn to collaborate with their peers in her classroom. Tina is a teacher leader that inspires her colleagues and advocates for her fifth-grade team. She is known for her exceptional organizational skills, creating a structured and efficient classroom environment. A true team player, she collaborates with fellow educators, contributing to a positive and supportive school culture.
JACKSON LOCAL
Allie Shrake, intervention specialist – Allie truly knows her students and their learning styles, strengths, and areas for support. She is a master at differentiating instruction to ensure all students receive appropriate instruction. She is also highly respected by colleagues and is a leader in our school.
LAKE
Brady Toth, sixth-grade science – Mr. Toth is an amazing asset to Lake as a sixth-grade science and social studies teacher, as well as being a high school wrestling coach. He is a dynamic educator whose positive outlook, patient demeanor and humor are contagious. Mr. Toth has created a supportive classroom environment and strives to build positive relationships with his students and utilizes the information gained to empower his students to seek their full potential.
Sarah Wernet, grades seven and eight, technology – After several years teaching at the elementary level, Sarah Wernet began this school year in a new position and new building teaching three different technology classes to seventh and eighth graders. Mrs. Wernet has done an amazing job providing our students with learning experiences that are engaging and relevant. In addition to her instructional duties, she is also a co-advisor for our Junior Service organization, putting her in a key position helping to organize our Thanksgiving food drive and our community Christmas program. In just a few short months, Mrs. Wernet has found a way to make a difference in our school and the Lake community every period, and every day.
LOUISVILLE
Joann Minner, eighth-grade math – Miss Minner is passionate about students exceeding their own expectations in her math classes! She consistently pushes them to apply math content in real-world situations. In her classes, she makes sure each student’s voice is heard to explain and demonstrate their mathematical understanding, and this intentional focus on the individual student is what enables her students to reach and exceed their goals.
MARLINGTON
Justin Woods, fourth-grade math – Mr. Justin Woods serves as a fourth-grade teacher, head teacher, and supportive colleague at Lexington Elementary School. Mr. Woods has served as first-grade teacher at Lexington for many years and stepped up this year to support his team and make the transition to fourth-grade math. In addition to his role as teacher, Mr. Woods serves as head teacher, safety team member, and high school coach for soccer and basketball. Lexington Elementary School needs teachers like Mr. Woods; he prioritizes relationships and cares deeply about his students. Mr. Woods is a model of Duke Pride and "connection before correction,” and we are thankful he is a member of the Lexington Elementary team!
Dave Shirley, sixth grade social studies − Mr. Shirley is a caring and thoughtful teacher. He creates memorable learning scenarios and songs that students remember even years later. Mr. Shirley has high standards and does everything he can to help his students reach those standards. We're lucky to have Mr. Shirley at MMS!
MASSILLON
Karen Kelly, art – The teacher of the month for Gorrell Elementary is Karen Kelly. Karen is the art teacher at Gorrell. This year, we had to make the tough decision to have art and music travel to classrooms because we needed all of the classrooms in the building for grade-level classrooms with our enrollment increasing. Karen has not let this challenge stop her from teaching the students how to create wonderful art. She has a great attitude each and every day that she is here and always helps out wherever she is needed. Gorrell Elementary is very thankful for Karen Kelly!
Denise Walters, intervention specialist – Mrs. Denise Walters has made a smooth transition into her new role as an Intervention Specialist for our seventh grade. She is always a team player, stepping up to help out in time of need. She has built relationships with students and works hard to ensure our students are getting the very best education and opportunities to grow academically. Denise is a great colleague and is always willing to help out to make sure our students and building can be the best it can be. We are so grateful to have her as a part of team MJHS!
MINERVA LOCAL
Vicki Stafford, eighth grade English language arts − Mrs. Stafford embraces the challenges and flexibility needed to be a fantastic teacher every day. We rely heavily on her experience and expertise to help not only our students, but also our staff. Mrs. Stafford’s students often refer to her as someone they do not want to let down, and they say that she is like a mother to them. Her ability to meet the individual needs of her students and set realistic goals helps to build positive, strong relationships and provides the foundation for success for her students.
NORTH CANTON
Mr. Jarod Thomas, primary school counselor – North Canton Primary School counselor Jarod Thomas is a true asset to North Canton Primary School as he works with children in many capacities including providing valuable social emotional lessons, small group lessons, needed breaks and assisting students to meet their many needs. Mr. Thomas is also a tremendous support for teachers by providing interventions, positively influencing students, and having a significant impact on overall student learning.
Heather Dressler, intervention specialist – Heather Dressler has been an intervention specialist at Hoover High School for the past six years with a passion for education that is evident daily in her interactions with students, working primarily with the science department specializing in biology. Ms. Dressler provides students with extra support not only to ensure they maximize their learning, but also to make sure they have a positive experience in school. Ms. Dressler was instrumental in developing Hoover High School’s outdoor classroom that many classes utilize, which is just one example of her many contributions to students and staff at Hoover High School.
OSNABURG LOCAL
Michelle Peterson, fourth- and fifth-grade science – East Canton Elementary would like to recognize Mrs. Michelle Peterson as the December Teacher of the Month! Mrs. Peterson teaches Science in fourth and fifth grade and is continually looking for ways to engage students while providing the best learning experiences possible. This includes researching virtual reality opportunities, science projects for younger grades, and using horticulture to enhance her classroom and welcome students. Thank you, Mrs. Peterson, for bringing your passion of science and teaching to our students at ECEL!
Lindsey Hutchison, sixth-grade English language arts – It's an honor to recognize Mrs. Hutchison as our Teacher of the Month. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she also serves as the lead adult advisor for our ECMS Sources of Strength group and formed our ECMS book club, where she cultivates a love for reading among students. Her unwavering commitment to promoting literacy is truly inspiring. Moreover, Mrs. Hutchison possesses a kind heart that shines through her interactions with both students and colleagues alike. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every student feels seen, heard and valued. We are truly fortunate to have such an exceptional teacher as Mrs. Hutchison in our school community.
PLAIN LOCAL
Allison Morningstar, first grade – Mrs. Morningstar’s outstanding strengths of creating a warm, inviting classroom environment, maintaining a routined, well-planned, and organized school day for her students, and incorporating innovative lesson strategies are more than enough to grant her this recognition; what really makes Allison remarkable is her ability to connect with every student. Allison’s classroom accommodations are inclusive to meet the needs of all children as she develops exceptional relationships with her students and families.
Pat Ryter, historical literacy – Patty Ryter is an eighth-grade teacher who demonstrates leadership beyond the classroom, assisting with home instruction and multiple committees aimed at enhancing culture and climate. She cares for her students and works with them in and out of the classroom to ensure their success.
SEBRING LOCAL
Heidi Shepherd, first grade – Mrs. Shepherd goes above and beyond in and outside of the classroom. She is a dedicated teacher who makes each child feel equally important and creates the desire to learn!
Betsy Walsh, kindergarten – Mrs. Walsh creates the love of school for all kindergarten students in her classroom. Learning is fun, and the growth that her students have from the beginning of kindergarten to the end is amazing to watch.
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
Mrs. Emerick, high school − Mrs. Emerick is a true gem who goes above and beyond when it comes to helping others. Whether it's volunteering her time to tutor students or lending a hand in any way she can, she's always there. Her efforts make her an invaluable asset to St. Thomas, and we are grateful to have her on our staff.
STARK COUNTY CATHOLIC ELEMENTARIES
Mrs. Jennifer Burke, fourth- through seventh-grade science − Jennifer is a veteran teacher, but she continues to look for new and innovative ways to help her students learn. Mrs. Burke teaches Science for grades 4-7. One of her most valuable lessons shared is walking students through the food process from farm to table. Students plant seeds that are nurtured on the grow wall in her classroom. Once the lettuce or kale has grown to maturity, it is picked from the wall and used in our cafeteria for salads at lunchtime. Jennifer is currently helping students with their Science Fair projects. This project is so much more than Science. She has integrated language arts, public speaking, art and so much more into this process. Jennifer is our lead teacher and I lean on her regularly to assist in the many daily tasks at school. She does it all with a positive attitude and her no nonsense approach makes her a huge asset to the staff. Mrs. Burke is to be commenced on her commitment to being a lifelong learner and her ability to help students make real-life connections to learning. Well done, Mrs. Burke!
TUSLAW
Matt Halter, intervention specialist, history – Matt is a teacher who builds positive relationships with every student he interacts with. With the students in his classroom, he gets the students to buy in to his teachings by engaging them in all aspects of their life. The students he has taught respect him as an educator but look up to him as a role model. The care he shows to his students is visible to anyone who walks into his classroom.
This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Canton Repository Teacher of the Month: Tina Peters, Fairless Local
