NAME – Joanne Zahler
SCHOOL – Central Catholic High School
RESIDENCE – Massillon
HIGH SCHOOL ALMA MATER – Central Catholic
COLLEGE – Ohio University
FAMILY – Husband, Chuck Zahler
WHAT SUBJECTS DO YOU TEACH (and grade level)? – The art courses at Central are all semester classes therefore I am able to teach a wide variety of classes. I teach Art 1, 2, 3, and 4, Calligraphy, Ceramics, and a CCP (College Credit Plus) Art History. My classes are open to all students, therefore, I may have freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors all in the same class. I like that.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? – I love coming to a classroom where creativity and innovation is being experienced every day. How great is it to have multiple answers to problems and not just one correct answer? I am able to encourage mistakes and experimentation to get the students to think through the process to create the work of art on their own. The pride I see on many of their faces after doing something well and them liking it, is priceless.
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB? – I cringe when a student has an idea but will not try it because they think it is “too hard,” I ask them how they know it is too hard if they haven’t even made an attempt at creating it. Most times, the real problem is they aren’t willing to put in the extra effort to work through something challenging, and that is discouraging to me.
WHAT SECRET TO SUCCESS WOULD YOU SHARE WITH YOUR STUDENTS? – I want to tell my students to work hard, give 100% to everything they do no matter how big or small the task is. The results from hard work are so rewarding, they will never be disappointed. Also, your life will be gratifying if you make good choices. Remember there are consequences, good and bad, to every decision you make; choose wisely.
IS TEACHING KIDS THE SAME TODAY AS WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED TEACHING? (Why or why not?) – With this being my 40th year of teaching here at Central, I can say I have seen many changes in myself and the kids that I do work with. No, teaching the kids today is not the same as back in 1982. I believe the advancement of technology and social media present their own set of problems in the classroom, which I did not have to deal with when I first started teaching. As far as being blessed with working with some of the best kids in Stark County on a daily basis, that has not changed since 1982. The kids and support from the parents are what make me come back day after day, week after week, month after month and year after year.
YOUR STUDENTS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT YOU … – worked in Carrollton, Ohio, during the summer months all through high school. My parents owned a Root Beer Drive Inn in Carrollton from 1974-78. I am one of six children, and we all learned about running a restaurant and small business at “Pete’s Drive Inn” (named after my father). They say experience is the best teacher; that experience taught me that I want to go to a restaurant and be served, and not do the serving! LOL
WHAT IS YOUR HIDDEN TALENT? – I love to cook. I find it to be a creative outlet for me.
IF YOU WEREN’T A TEACHER, YOU’D BE … – a street vendor in a warm location with a corn dog cart. I have the homemade corn dog recipe from the root beer stand days, and it makes delicious corn dogs. There is such a vendor in Lake Michigan, and the only thing they sell is corn dogs and the line is always a mile long.
AFTER A LONG DAY AT WORK, WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO RELAX? – My husband and I have a small cottage up on Portage Lakes, and nothing is more relaxing than sitting on our deck by the water. It is even relaxing in the winter, watching the snowfall on the ice.
THE NOMINATIONS
ALLIANCE
Alliance Elementary School
Tracy Funk, third-grade reading — Tracy has been the model of finding the positive in our building. She is a team leader and her energy and enthusiasm in the classroom is obvious in watching her students who are excited to learn with her every day!
Alliance Middle School
Kerry Varble, seventh-grade English language arts — Kerry maintains high expectations for kids while building a good rapport. Yearly, she has demonstrated academic growth in reading and writing for her students, and, in addition, she takes on leadership roles within the Language Arts department.
CANTON LOCAL
Ali Fell, guidance counselor — Ali plays an integral part in supporting our students’ social and emotional needs, monitoring academics, and providing learning opportunities that empower students. She works tirelessly to meet the needs of every child and always has their best interests at heart.
Walker Elementary School
Cherie Kendrick, second grade — Cherie inspires her second-grade students to work hard and do their best each day. Her positive energy is contagious. Her kind nature makes students feel safe to take risks with their learning.
FAIRLESS LOCAL
Colette Robbins, Speech Pathology — Colette works in all three buildings and manages a large caseload. She is compassionate, open minded, resourceful, and works well with others. She is flexible and hard working. She is an advocate for her students and establishes a good rapport with them.
Aaron “AJ” Sarbaugh, American History — A.J. Sarbaugh, social studies teacher and head football coach, inspires his students to “Soar to Excellence, Every Day.” With his determined enthusiasm and inspiring classroom presence, positive and productive student outcomes are evident. His determination to have his students succeed is best explained by one of the most famous teachers, Maria Montessori, when she noted, “The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say the children are now working as if I did not exist.” To watch his classroom in progress is a thing of beauty. He often allows the students to interact as teams, and they simply end up owning the moment. Along with his classroom magic, Coach Sarbaugh was recently named “Coach of the Year” in the PAC conference. He is an extremely valuable member of our Fairless community.
JACKSON LOCAL
Strausser Elementary School
Colleen Caldwell, fifth grade — Mrs. Caldwell does an awesome job of trying to make learning fun for her students. She often uses music, movement, and dance parties to engage her students in their math and science work.
LAKE CENTER CHRISTIAN
Lydia Martin, elementary intervention specialist — Mrs. Lydia Martin brings a wealth of experience to Lake Center Christian School. She comes to school each day with a joy that is contagious. Lydia guides and directs students as they navigate through academic struggles. She collaborates with teachers to ensure all students are successful in and out of the classroom.
Thomas Hersman, Bible teacher — Mr. Thomas Hersman has a passion to see his students grow and be successful in and out of the school day. As a Junior High teacher, he leads discussions with thought-provoking questions as students wrestle with the challenges that life throws their way. Students are challenged but supported in his classroom.
LAKE LOCAL
Lake Primary School
Kaitlyn Rushin, kindergarten — Kaitlyn Rushin is dedicated to meeting the needs of each of her students. She utilizes every minute of her day making sure her students learn in ways that allow them each to flourish. She has built amazing rapport with each of her students, and they adore her just as much. Kaitlyn is creative, fun and full of energy each day, making it a joy for her students to come to school and learn. Kaitlyn is a team player and is always willing to help out other staff and team members.
LOUISVILLE
Louisville Middle School
Carolyne Beane, eighth-grade math and Honors Algebra I — Mrs. Beane has the ability to make every one of her students look like math rock stars, because she has the ability to reach all levels of learners. Her classes are creative, innovative and very engaging. One of the students’ favorite projects in her class is creating tiny houses. Mrs. Beane brings math to life for students!
MARLINGTON LOCAL
Shelly McAlister, Marlington High School — Mrs. Shelly McAlister is an outstanding World Language teacher. She can always be found putting in extra effort to support her students. She demonstrates incredible patience, and her positive attitude and encouragement is always on display, with both staff and students. Mrs. McAlister is second to none when it comes to assisting her students. She goes above and beyond finding ways to engage and challenge all of her students. She is always seeking out other opportunities to help our staff and students. Mrs. McAlister, you are held in the highest regard by all of us at Marlington High School, and we are all grateful to have you on our team.
MASSILLON LOCAL
Franklin Elementary School
Marissa Pavlick, art — Energetic, passionate, and child-centered are just a few words to describe Franklin Elementary’s art teacher Marissa Pavlick. Students love attending and participating in her creative lessons. She is also known to add writing, reading, as well as math concepts, into her lessons. Miss Pavlick is firmly committed to art education and believes there is nothing more important than kids and art. Never willing to shy away from a challenge, students are routinely exposed to many art-related mediums throughout the school year. Her passion for student learning and the success of the building makes her a great team member.
Massillon Intermediate School
Kristi Castille, sixth-grade ELA — We would like to recognize Kristi Castille, sixth grade ELA teacher, for Teacher of the Month. Kristi goes above and beyond to create lesson plans that align to individual student needs and even researches classroom management techniques such as yoga and breathing exercises to utilize within her classroom for the social and emotional needs of her students. We are proud to serve and support this passionate teacher advocate.
NORTHWEST LOCAL
Stinson Elementary School
Jenn Barnett, art — Mrs. Barnett teaches art to students in grades 3-5, yet the artwork she inspires is something you’d expect in much older children or even adults! Our students are fortunate to have Mrs. Barnett as their art teacher, and the staff is fortunate to have her as their colleague. She offers her assistance whenever and wherever she can, such as providing reading intervention before instructing her art classes. Stinson can always count on Mrs. Barnett!
OSNABURG LOCAL
East Canton Middle School
Kelsey Klick, intervention specialist — Each and every day, Mrs. Klick shares her positive attitude and upbeat spirit with her coworkers and students. She effortlessly creates rapport with her students by setting attainable goals/expectations, holding them accountable, and setting them up for success. She is constantly driven by student advocacy and values positive relationships. Thank you, Mrs. Klick, for all you do for our ECMS students and families!
PERRY LOCAL
Genoa Elementary School
Nicole Netzly, kindergarten — Mrs. Netzly is an outstanding teacher who is warm, caring and accepting of all children. She works hard to assist the EL students in her classroom and throughout the building.
PLAIN LOCAL
Barr Elementary School
Hannah Louk, first grade — It is with honor to recognize Miss Hannah Louk as Teacher of the Month for her devotion in making sure that each of her students reach success! Miss Louk fosters a learning environment of positivity and growth! The diligence and care that she exhibits as an educator makes her deserving of this recognition.
GlenOak High School
Matt Brown, math — Matt Brown is a person who bleeds green and gold and is always in the corner supporting students and what they are passionate about in life. Matt is one of our leaders in our math department, advisor to our Academic Challenge team and has started the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society at GlenOak. We appreciate the work that Matt does in and out of the classroom to support our students.
SANDY VALLEY
Sandy Valley Elementary
Melissa Fete, kindergarten — When kindergartners step into Melissa Fete’s classroom, they know they are about to embark on a journey of discovery and fun! She brings excitement to learning and makes each day special for our little Cardinals!
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