Walsh University Teacher of the Month: David Burtscher, Hoover High
NAME – Dave Burtscher
SCHOOL – Hoover High School
RESIDENCE – North Canton
HIGH SCHOOL ALMA MATER – Dover High School
COLLEGE – Grove City College and Ashland University.
FAMILY – Wife, Amy, a third-grade teacher Orchard Hill Elementary; daughter Ashley, a senior at University of Mount Union; and son Beau, a sophomore at Otterbein University.
WHAT SUBJECTS DO YOU TEACH? – Ninth-grade world history and 10th-grade advanced placement U.S. history.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? – It is the students that I get to teach and know on a daily basis. I also am extremely blessed to teach in a building with outstanding colleagues and to be part of a tremendous social studies department.
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB? – The most challenging aspect is the pressure I put on myself to meet the needs of all of my students. Students have varied abilities, interests and backgrounds and I always strive to serve them in ways that fit their specific needs.
WHAT SECRETS TO SUCCESS WOULD YOU SHARE WITH YOUR STUDENTS? – The secret is to find what your passion is in life and pursue that passion to the best of your ability and with great energy. Do not allow others to define your path or success. Hard work, perseverance and treating others with respect will take you to places you desire.
IS TEACHING KIDS TODAY THE SAME AS WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED? – I think kids have not changed much from when I started 34 years ago. Technology, social media and COVID have brought different stresses upon these students that earlier students did not have to deal with. The art of teaching and the relationships that you try to foster are still the goals like they have always been for me.
YOUR STUDENTS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT … – … deep down I am a very sensitive person. I truly care about their personal lives and their needs and concerns. They might also be surprised that I love the fine arts, musicals and Broadway performances.
WHAT IS YOUR HIDDEN TALENT – That is hard to answer but it might be my ability to solve word games such as crossword puzzles and Word Jumbles.
IF YOU WEREN’T A TEACHER YOU’D BE … – … a historical tour guide for a company or a museum.
AFTER A LONG DAY AT WORK, WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO RELAX – A workout at the YMCA followed by a nice dinner and either reading a book or watching television with my wife.
Other nominations
Alliance
Rachelle Miller, preschool at Alliance Early Learning School − Rachelle Miller is not only an advocate for the children at Alliance Early Learning School, but also advocates for their families. She is kind, caring and generous with her time and truly loves and cares for each and every single one of her students!
April Boals, intervention specialist at Parkway Learning and Development Center − April Boals is committed to thinking outside of the box to accommodate her students' academic, behavioral and social needs. As a first-year teacher, she balances developing her instruction, rapport building and professional growth.
Canton City
Gwen Yohe, deaf education, Arts Academy − Gwen is so patient with kids, and so fair. She always keeps her door open for kids and adults.
McKenzie Harder, eighth grade science, STEAMM Academy − Coach Harder sets high expectations for not only students in her classroom, but also her colleagues. Her leadership and involvement in the school goes above and beyond the four walls of her classroom.
Canton Local
Katelyn Freday, Canton South Middle School Visual Art and Digital Media teacher − Katelyn does a fantastic job engaging students in their work and helping them reach their potential as an artist. Her enthusiasm, creativity, and passion for teaching shine through every day!
Jackson Local
Lexi Sauder, intervention specialist who supports unique learners − Lexi has such a heart for her students. She is very caring and positive and always has a smile on her face.
Lake Center Christian
Matt Green, PE − Matt looks for ways to engage and motivate students. He takes time to demonstrate and model expectations as well as to observe student progress and growth. Matt is a lifelong learner, a team player, and a mentor.
Jonathan Shaeffer, Bible − Jonathan is a new educator to our school but you would never know that. The authentic relationships that he builds in his classroom lead to an environment filled with inquiry and discussion. He consistently reflects on his teaching and assessment strategies in order to find the best fit for each student.
Lake Local
Rick Friedline, AP English Lit and Comp, English 3, English Department Chair − Rick Friedline has provided outstanding leadership as the grades 9-12 English Department Chair while also setting high standards for being well-prepared, flexible, creative, and engaging for those who enter his classroom. With 94% of his AP students scoring a 3 or higher over the past four years, he clearly prepares his students for a tremendous opportunity to earn college credit. However, some of his best work and overall growth as an educator can be easily observed when he presents to a more diverse group of learners. Mr. Friedline’s passion for his subject matter is obvious, his dedication to his craft is admirable, and his contributions to our school and district are invaluable.
Kaidra Bradford, kindergarten − Patience, creative, passionate, and nurturing are just some of the qualities of Kaidra Bradford, a kindergarten teacher at Lake Primary. She has created a safe and nurturing learning environment for all of her students to succeed and grow every day. Her teaching skills go far beyond basic skills of reading, writing, and math. She develops a class that fosters social-emotional development to make her students lifelong learners. Lake Primary is lucky enough to have such a compassionate and encouraging teacher helping to shape our future!
Marlington Local
Laura Ray, Title teacher − Laura has been part of the Marlington family for 20 years. She is not only a teacher, but also a parent and community member. Mrs. Ray is a Title teacher for Washington Elementary. She spends her day helping students with a variety of academic needs. She is kind, compassionate, and an extremely hard worker. Mrs. Ray goes far beyond what is required of her in order to assist any student. She volunteers to help at every opportunity and is always around for after school activities. Mrs. Ray is highly deserving of teacher of the month!
Lynn Francis, science − Lynn is a longtime member of the science department at MHS and currently teaches Honors Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Gen Bio 1 &2, which are both College Credit Plus courses. In addition to teaching these challenging courses and finding various ways to help students succeed, Lynn also serves as the director of various student groups, such as Student Council and the Rotary Interact Club.
Massillon Local
Megan Johnson, preschool − Franklin would like to recognize one of our young teachers who is currently working at the Massillon Preschool. Off to a great start and learning each day is integrated preschool teacher Megan Johnson. Beginning as a student teacher a few years ago, her raw talent, drive, and passion for student success were evident already. Now that she joined the team and is in her second year with a classroom of her own, those same qualities continue to rise to the top each and every day. As a young educator, one of her best qualities is listening and learning from others as she continues to develop her skills.
Meagan Williams, fourth-grade math at Massillon Intermediate School − Meagan, we want to thank you for all of your work supporting other Math teachers at Massillon Intermediate School and in the district. Great job-sharing implemented math strategies with district teachers at your after school "Math Fluency Chats" at Tremont Coffee.
Minerva Local
Heidi Troyer, Intervention Tutor (Minerva Middle School) − Heidi Troyer has made such a positive impact on our students in a short amount of time. She models consistent expectations for all of her students. She continues to model compassion to all of her students and our staff. The rapport and relationships she builds with her students enable her to hold her students to a high standard. She continually makes an effort to check on her students when they are struggling, absent, or if they appear to just need a friendly check-in. She is a dependable colleague who always looks for ways to help her better meet students’ needs. Her creativity has aided our students in learning by providing multiple pathways to master content. MMS is lucky to have her on our team!
North Canton City
LaRissa Weimer, second grade − Mrs. Weimer continually pursues the best ways to meet the needs of her students. She creates a passion for learning through engaging lessons where students push themselves to be their best. Thank you!
David Burtscher, social studies − Mr. David Burtscher is a valued member of Hoover High School’s social studies department. He has taught in the North Canton School District for the past 27 years. Fourteen of those years were at the middle school, and the past 13 years have been at Hoover High School. Most recently, he has taught World Studies and AP U.S. History. Every year of his 27-year career at North Canton Schools, he has coached football or basketball or both sports. We are grateful for Dave’s dedication and passion with both students and student-athletes at Hoover High School.
Gerilyn Shimek, first grade − Mrs. Shimek approaches every day with a positive outlook, and it is contagious with staff and students. Each student knows that Mrs. Shimek cares for them and wants what is best for them, even when it is difficult. The time and effort that she puts into each and every child does not go unnoticed.
Tina Peterson, seventh grade English Language Arts − Mrs. Peterson is an exceptional educator who goes above and beyond to meet the needs of her students. She collaborates with her colleagues to identify specific needs of the whole child. Mrs. Peterson is a valuable member of the staff at NCMS.
Osnaburg Local
Mrs. Sheri Kreutzer, school counseling − East Canton Elementary is excited to recognize Mrs. Sheri Kreutzer as the February Teacher of the Month! Mrs. Kreutzer serves as the school counselor for students in preschool through fifth grade, teaching full class lessons, leading small group discussions, and supporting students in one-on-one settings. Mrs. Kreutzer demonstrates compassion, leadership, and guidance daily. She has one of the best listening ears around! Mrs. Kreutzer is continually searching for resources for students, families, and staff, and in fact, she recently completed training for the Ruling Our Experiences program to begin a research-based small group program for girls. Thank you, Mrs. Kreutzer, for continually caring and going above and beyond for all members of our EC school community!
Mrs. Nicole Shadle, intervention specialist − East Canton Middle School would like to recognize Mrs. Nicole Shadle as the February Teacher of the Month. Mrs. Shadle is a true advocate for all students at East Canton Schools. She goes above and beyond to ensure learning and growth, build connections, meet individual needs and foster relationships with students and families. In addition to her teaching duties, Mrs. Shadle is our head varsity volleyball coach and is a member of our Care Team, PBIS committee as well as serving as an adult leader in our Sources of Strength program. Thank you, Mrs. Shadle!
Perry Local
Erin Silva, intervention specialist − Ms. Silva is a bright star in the building. She is an advocate for her students and fellow colleagues. She brings a gentle mix of humor and spunk to the day. Ms. Silva knows how to place a positive spin on even the most challenging situations. She is a gem to have at our school. Watson is fortunate to have her.
Plain Local
Kelly Shoemaker, Language Arts − Mrs. Shoemaker works to contribute to our culture of kindness in the building by creating posters to reinforce expectations to help our Eagles SOAR! She also recognizes the efforts of her students by showcasing their work consistently in our Glenwood hallways. Kelly Shoemaker also has a classroom environment where students are engaged and support one another's success at school.
Dr. Jennifer Austin, International Baccalaureate Program coordinator − Dr. Jennifer Austin is leading the IB Program at GlenOak and taking the program through the five-year re-evaluation process with great attention to detail and integrity to our district’s vision and mission. She is a respected mentor and colleague to many and we appreciate her dedication to excellence and her tireless effort in help our school be the best it can be. Dr. Austin is an invaluable asset to our students and staff, and we think she is a champion!
Sandy Valley
Stephanie Irwin, Language Arts 11− Kindness, compassion, and caring are three adjectives that describe Mrs. Stephanie Irwin! In addition to teaching Language Arts 11, Mrs. Irwin advises numerous clubs that focus on creating a positive, inclusive, and healthy school environment. She is an amazing Cardinal!
St. Thomas Aquinas
Courtney Fletcher, middle school math and English − Ms. Courtney Fletcher is a math and English teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas Middle School. She is committed to education and to providing her students with the best possible education, while always going above and beyond to help them succeed. She is spearheading a sixth-grade trip this April to Damascus Camp, which focuses on faith and science exploration! This immersive experience is just one of the ways Ms. Fletcher aims to keep her students learning beyond her classroom.
Jonathan Evans, high school English − Mr. Jonathan Evans is a high school English teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas. He teaches literature, creative writing, speech, and a newspaper course. Mr. Evans aims to motivate and encourage students to learn and grow in their writing and presentation skills. Mr. Evans helps students to develop confidence, critical thinking skills, and a love of learning all while demonstrating professionalism and dedication to his students and school!
Stark County Catholic Elementary Schools
Jane Vogel, second grade − Jane Vogel has been teaching second grade at St. Peter School for three years and has made a positive impact on her students. They appreciate her kindness, enthusiasm, and dedication to their individual needs. She excels in working with Spanish language learners and helping them become confident readers. Jane also integrates technology effectively into her lessons, using it to engage and motivate her students.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Walsh University Teacher of the Month: David Burtscher, Hoover High
