Walsh University Teacher of the Month: Andrew Meister, Alliance City Schools

NAME – Drew Meister

SCHOOL – Parkway Learning and Development Center, Alliance City Schools

RESIDENCE – Canton Township

HIGH SCHOOL ALMA MATER – Claymont (in Uhrichsville)

COLLEGE – LaGrange College (undergrad), Muskingum (graduate)

FAMILY – Wife, Deanne, a first-grade teacher; children, Steele, age 17, Makayla, age 15, and Zachary, age 12; and two dogs, CoCo and Riley.

WHAT SUBJECTS DO YOU TEACH? – English Language Arts (grades six to 12)

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? – Making connections with the students and staff at PLDC has been really rewarding. I was a very late hire, so the support I have received has been critical to my effort to making a successful transition. We have a lot of good people in the building that operate with a kid-first mentality.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB? – More and more, data is a teacher's scoreboard, the administration's scoreboard, and the community's scoreboard. That being said, I am a pretty competitive person, so the challenges inherent in the profession motivate me to win the day. Why has this student missed two days in a row? How can I get this student to be motivated to write a fully developed paragraph? What are the numbers saying about my effectiveness? Am I devoting enough attention to Social Emotional Learning, and how do I measure a student's growth in that area? Effective teachers are taking these driving questions and turning them into action steps. That is all I am trying to do for the students I work with in our building.

WHAT SECRET TO SUCCESS WOULD YOU SHARE WITH STUDENTS? – Being resilient is a life skill that allows one to adapt, bounce back, and, most importantly, realize one's growth potential. I do not know that it is a secret, because we bring it to our students in one form or another every day.

IS TEACHING KIDS THE SAME TODAY AS WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED? – In 2006, when I walked into my first classroom, I taught the group. Today, we are hyper focused on the mission of teaching, supporting and growing every individual, which is the way it should be. Effective teachers strive to teach to the edges and offer students a customized approach to the learning process. Technology has helped us meet that need in many ways by blending creativity, innovation and learning modalities into the learning process. Think about the versions of learning we offer kids today – hybrid, remote, traditional, (College Credit Plus). I think the glass is only half-full in terms of how we are teaching kids.

YOUR STUDENTS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT … – Only a select few of my students would know that I am on Townhall 11 in Clash, and I am the second best educator in the house! My wife has been a first grade teacher for over 24 years, and she is still bringing it every day for her students.

WHAT IS YOUR HIDDEN TALENT? – Regardless of how difficult the course is, I am pretty good at smacking a golf ball off the slimmest of trees. I guess graphic design comes pretty easy to me, whether it be instructional slides for class, social media posts, or t-shirt designs. As for a true talent, I am more inclined to say I just work hard at figuring it out.

IF YOU WEREN’T A TEACHER, YOU’D BE … – My dream gig would be manager for Indiana University basketball and Coach Mike Woodson while revitalizing our family farm in Indiana in the offseason.

AFTER A LONG DAY AT WORK, WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO RELAX? – Playing 9-holes, with my wife in the passenger seat of the golf cart shopping on her phone or scrolling through her teacher sites. She usually doesn't see the horrible shots, and I get to embellish, just a little, on the good ones she might miss.

Other nominees

ALLIANCE

Denise Waggoner, physical education at Alliance Intermediate School − Denise excels at creating inclusive physical education lessons and experiences for students of all abilities. She is going above and beyond and creating new after-school sports clinics for our students to encourage confidence and build skills, too!

Andrew Meister, English Language Arts at Parkway Learning & Development Center − Drew has taken his new classroom in a new district to the next level with his language arts class! He has created a strong culture complete with hybrid learning and current events!

CANTON CITY

Paula Kliem, kindergarten, AIM Academy − As a kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Kliem has extreme patience to be successful in her role and her commitment to her students and parents. She is always lending a hand to mentor first-year teachers, help with any duties before and after school, and heads our staff social committee.

Beth Vassalotti, intervention specialist, Crenshaw − Beth is a teacher that truly puts kids first by focusing on meeting the needs of her students in all ways. In addition to this, she is the definition of a true team player and works to build a sense of team in our building.

CANTON LOCAL

Tonya VanVoorhis, first grade − Tonya VanVoorhis has worked in the Canton Local School District for 30 years! After spending many years as a kindergarten teacher, Mrs. VanVoorhis made the decision to move to first grade this year. She does a great job working with our youngest students building on the foundations of math and reading!

CANTON CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Maria Dick, religion – Maria Dick has taught religion at Central Catholic for decades. Not only is she a great source of knowledge about the school, but she also overflows with love for the Crusaders, students and staff! She greets every person with a smile and always has something positive to say about every situation. Mrs. Dick gives up most of her “free time” volunteering for ticket collection at all home games and working bingo every Sunday, in addition to organizing Central’s annual food drive and adopt-a-family. She demonstrates what the heart of a Crusader looks like.

FAIRLESS LOCAL

Leah Manack, kindergarten − Leah is a role model as a fellow educator. She is a true team leader. Leah goes above and beyond to share new ideas and resources so that all students can benefit from learning. Leah is so knowledgeable and always makes time to help her teammates grow and collaborate together.

Jennifer Cochran, HS intervention − She was nominated by two colleagues. Here is what they said: Jennifer Cochran exemplifies what it means to put kids first and she works tirelessly to set her kids up for success in their lives after high school. She is an advocate for her kids, a positive role model, and a stable force in the lives of her students on a daily basis. She is much more than just a teacher. She is an educator of all content areas, a cheerleader for her kids, a counselor, a leader by example, a role model, a lifelong learner, a team player, and an invaluable member of the Fairless community. She goes above and beyond what a teacher is expected to do. She is always willing to help with building initiatives and traditions because she simply cares about what is best for kids. Jennifer Cochran is simply amazing, and her kids are much better off because they have her in their corner. The second nominator said: She goes over and beyond to help her students. She creates extra resources to help her students. She also provides extra and deep practice on the material. Most importantly, she truly cares about her students and has worked diligently with them as they have revealed to her their heartbreaking problems. She truly cares and goes the extra mile for her students.

JACKSON LOCAL

Jon Perdue, high school geometry − Mr. Perdue has the ability to engage all learners in his classroom and to make them feel comfortable participating in class. Mr. Perdue consistently leads his students to improvement in their math abilities, and he builds positive rapport with his students. Mr. Perdue is also an integral part of our varsity boys basketball coaching staff, spending countless hours on the court throughout the year.

LAKE CENTER CHRISTIAN

Courtney Williams, fifth grade − Courtney works hard to meet student needs in her classroom. She is a team player who likes collaborating with others to create an environment that fosters student engagement and learning throughout the day. Courtney serves as a mentor and a leader for her peers.

Lance Taylor, high school social studies team teacher − Through intentional interactions with students, Mr. Taylor makes an impact on every student in his circle of influence. He is a team player who helps the educational team make decisions regarding student engagement and academic support.

LAKE LOCAL

Ramona Cochran, seventh grade English Language Arts − Ramona Cochran has been a leader and important member of our outstanding 7th grade teaching team and particularly with our group of amazing English Language Arts teachers. While our students have consistently performed at the highest level on local and state assessments, Mrs. Cochran is even more determined to help those who enter her classroom to develop and master the skills that will be most useful across all subject areas while instilling a lifelong love for reading and learning. Her enthusiasm for her subject matter is obvious, and the high expectations she establishes for her students is admirable. However, what our students most appreciate is that they are able to spend no less than two periods each day with a teacher who is always prepared to welcome them, care for them, and provide them with a memorable and worthwhile educational experience.

Amiah Barillas, intervention specialist, grades kindergarten and one − Miss Barillas inspires her students by teaching them the importance of having a positive attitude and being their best self. She delivers the curriculum, but understands that connecting learning to her student’s strengths and personal interests is key to her student’s success. Amiah recognizes the best approach to a well-rounded education is by blending modern day technology with traditional hands-on learning using manipulatives, games and paper/pencil tasks. In just the first nine weeks of school, Miss Barillas has made strong, reliable, and personal connections with her students and families she works with every day.

LOUISVILLE CITY

Theresa Jakmides, ELA II and STEM − Theresa is in her seventh year of service at Louisville High School. She not only teaches sophomore English, but she also makes up one half of our new STEM Team at LHS. For anyone who knows Theresa, they will tell you that she brings an incredible amount of energy and passion to her job and students. She engages her students by bringing in real-world learning and by getting them to believe in themselves. Theresa understands the importance of building relationships with her students. She is an incredible communicator and always demonstrates empathy and patience with her students. Simply put, Theresa is an immeasuable asset to Louisville High School. She is a leader within her English department and our building.

MARLINGTON LOCAL

Katie Kellams, fifth grade Language Arts − Mrs. Kellams’ character shines because she values relationships with students and staff. She is a leader at Lexington through her role on the District Leadership Team and by being a supportive colleague.

Clay Libertore, intervention specialist − Mr. Libertore works with many of our junior and senior students throughout the day, to help them balance their workload and be successful. In addition to his teaching duties, coaching multiple sports, and serving on the Building Leadership Team for the high school, Mr. Libertore also leads our Rise Up program that helps students gain an industry-recognized credential toward graduation.

MASSILLON CITY

Erika Weaver, kindergarten − Erika is a teacher who will do whatever it takes to meet her student's needs. Her passion for her job is evident in the exciting classroom atmosphere loved by her students. Erika continues to engage in professional learning as she pursues " a better way." She is one reason the kindergarten team works so efficiently and collaboratively to help each other and the students meet high expectations.

Meredith Crouse, TESOL instructor − Ms. Crouse knows the importance of education and has instilled this with our EL students at WHS. She has dedicated her time and energy into meeting the needs of her students so they can come to school and focus on their path to graduation. Her EL students are supported academically so they can feel successful in class and begin to choose a focus for their future. Socially, Ms. Crouse makes sure her students are comfortable and able to play a sport, enroll in career tech classes and attend extracurricular activities if they wish. She truly has a genuine concern for their education and well-being.

MINERVA LOCAL

Christine Foutz, seventh grade science − Mrs. Foutz is a veteran teacher who has over 23 years of teaching experience. She is an invaluable resource for both teachers and administrators. She continues to strive for excellence in the classroom by meeting the individual needs of each of her students. She builds strong relationships with her students, colleagues, and the community. Mrs. Foutz’s passion for her students is contagious among her colleagues and students. She inspires everyone to be the best version of themselves.

NORTH CANTON CITY

Kerrie Steepleton, kindergarten − Ms. Steepleton is a leader in our school that always has the best interest of the child when she makes decisions. She works very hard to make sure that all needs are met for every child in her classroom. Thank you!

Amy McClowry, intervention specialist − Mrs. McClowry builds critical relationships with students and families to best serve the needs of our students. Her expertise and guidance are immensely helpful is growing the skills our students need to be successful in life. Mrs. McClowry has a calm, positive demeanor that is wonderful to have at North Canton Middle School.

NORTHWEST LOCAL

Megan Brady, Spanish II, III, IV and V – We nominate Mrs. Brady for a number of reasons. She provides an outstanding effort in the classroom every single day. We have a number of ESL students and Mrs. Brady has gone well above and beyond the call of duty to help these children get acclimated to our building. Mrs. Brady is a true master in the classroom while remaining student centered. She is currently spear heading a multitude of initiatives and programs to continue to develop and foster a positive culture in Northwest High School. Our students are very lucky to have her as their teacher!

OSNABURG LOCAL

Karren Kandel, gifted education & STEM − East Canton Elementary would like to recognize Ms. Karren Kandel as the October Teacher of the Month! Ms. Kandel has served at ECEL for 25 years in multiple capacities, but most recently she fulfills both gifted needs and STEM needs for our students. Ms. Kandel creates learning activities that not only engage our students, but provides opportunities for them to express themselves through creativity, talents, interests, and teamwork. Thank you, Ms. Kandel, for constantly being a light and bringing joy to your students and fellow staff members!

Jim Howell, instrumental music and general music − East Canton Schools is recognizing Mr. Jim Howell as the October Teacher of the Month! Director Howell joined the East Canton team this school year, and he has brought amazing energy and passion to our band program. His creativity and belief that learning needs to be fun for all (in the band and beyond) is evident every day in his classroom. Director Howell with the help of our Band Boosters recently hosted a band show at our school. The show was a great example of excellent musicianship and bringing the joy of music to the community. Thank you, Mr. Howell, for sharing your talents and passion for music and learning with our East Canton family!

PERRY LOCAL

Meagan Crim, Perry High counselor − Meagan Crim is a staunch advocate for students. She is an ally for underrepresented students who need a voice. She is involved with the high school Care Team and leads groups in order to ensure the mental health of all students.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

Kenny Thomas, middle school religion − Mr. Thomas is a middle school religion teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas. He goes above and beyond each day for his students. He cares for his students deeply, in and out of the classroom. He uses a real-life application for his instructional practices within his classroom, which keeps his students grounded in the lessons and curriculum. He has been a great example for our students!

Rachel Boggs, high school science − Mrs. Boggs is a high school science teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas. Mrs. Boggs has been keeping her classrooms engaged and connected with the community with visits from the Louisville Police Department (for Forensics class). She is also engaged with our school community outside of the classroom by planning the STA Homecoming activities, and a PowderPuff game. She is a member of the STA Auction Committee, and advisor for the junior student council and the STA cheer squad!

SANDY VALLEY

Jen Veigel, middle school counselor and Mental Health & Wellness coordinator − Jen Veigel is incredibly dedicated to helping our Cardinals as both a school counselor and as the district Mental Wellness coordinator. She runs the 21st Century after-school program, and the district's family engagement groups, all while being a student advocate. She has a heart of gold and Sandy Valley is lucky to have her!

STARK COUNTY CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Angela Mackey, eighth grade – Angela Mackey is an eighth grade teacher at SS. Philip & James Elementary Catholic School (SPJ). Mrs. Mackey is a lead teacher at SPJ who goes above and beyond to make the school a better place, serving the community by organizing special events such as the school auction, and mentors new teachers. She is a true leader of the SPJ Way!

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Teacher of the Month: Andrew Meister, Alliance City Schools