Robertson Kitchen & Bath Teacher of the Month: Monica Street, Marlington Local

NAME – Monica Street

SCHOOL – Marlington Middle School

RESIDENCE – Louisville

HIGH SCHOOL ALMA MATER – Louisville High School

COLLEGE – The University of Akron and The American College of Education

FAMILY –  Husband, Corey Street; daughters, Isla (2.5 years) and Caroline (8 months)

Meet February's Teacher of the Month: Laura Ray, Marlington Local

WHAT SUBJECTS DO YOU TEACH? – Math, 6th grade

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? – The best part of my job is developing meaningful relationships with my students. They make me laugh every day! I believe the best way to increase academic achievement is to show students that you care about them as individuals inside and outside of the classroom. I’ve found that this student-centered approach empowers my students to trust me as their teacher and to give their best effort at school.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB? – I’ll never be mistaken for a morning person, so the most challenging part of my day is simply waking up early and getting moving (until my coffee has had time to do its job). After that, it’s full speed ahead! I love everything about my job and students!

WHAT SECRET TO SUCCESS WOULD YOU SHARE WITH STUDENTS? – Find your “why." My “why” is that I strive to serve Jesus Christ in everything that I say and do. It may be tough in middle school, but I want them to dig down deep and find what motivates them to work hard and do the right thing.

IS TEACHING KIDS THE SAME TODAY AS WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED? – Although I still consider myself “young,” teaching kids has changed quite a bit over the past 11 years. Today’s educators need to recognize and adapt to the needs of our changing student population. Social media, the pandemic, the breakdown of families and other external factors have made the learning process more complex than it used to be. The art of teaching has evolved with the times in order to meet unique student needs and promote growth for all learners.

YOUR STUDENTS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT YOU … Honestly, I tell them everything!

WHAT IS YOUR HIDDEN TALENT? – Wake Surfing

IF YOU WEREN’T A TEACHER, YOU’D BE … Either a stay-at-home mom with my girls or an event planner.

AFTER A LONG DAY AT WORK, WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO RELAX? – (After the kids are asleep...) I enjoy curling up on the couch with a warm drink, blanket, and our mini Goldendoodles, Tucker and Remmy.

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Marlington's Monica Street is March's Teacher of the Month