B104 MAY TEACHER SALUTE WINNER IS:
 

Mrs. Cory Smull, 5th Grade Teacher at Schnecksville Elementary! Mrs. Smull was nominated by parent Terri Geisel on behalf of her son Alexander.
  
This is what Terri had to say about Mrs. Smull...

"As an educational consultant for 16 years, I have met and worked with many teachers. As a parent of a high school student and a 5th grader, I have had to interact with many teachers on a personal basis. I have never met a teacher who is more deserving of your salute than Mrs. Cory Smull 5th grade teacher at Schnecksville Elementary School in the Parkland School District. She embraces ALL students with exuberance for maximizing their potential. She works tirelessly to make each one feel welcome and special. Diversity in the classroom is at an all time high. There is no such thing as the “average” learner. Each student comes with a personal blueprint for learning which includes their strengths and needs. Mrs. Smull accepts each blueprint and assumes responsibility for building on it rather than forcing conformity. Teaching today is challenging given how teachers are held accountable for student progress and the attainment of state standards. Pressure to “cover the curriculum” at a rapid pace can lead many teachers to abandon balance and common sense. Mrs. Smull not only maintains balance but she remembers that her students are little people who need to be supported, understood and yet encouraged to do their best. Our son Alexander is truly blessed to have Mrs. Smull as a facilitator of his 5th grade year. She goes above and beyond the call of duty as she attends evening and weekend events which her attendance is not required. She is not looking for kudos. She is not out to impress or out shine anybody. Communicating to her students that she cares and will guide them and help them navigate through this sometimes overwhelming task called school is her number one priority. I wish all children could spend a portion of their school career with Mrs. Smull. She brilliantly teaches math, reading, writing, science and social studies. But that is not all that my son and his classmates will walk away with. She has given them many gifts- gifts of self-esteem, patience, empathy, responsibility, perseverance and a love for learning… virtues which cannot be taught. They are modeled and nurtured every single day in her classroom with every action and reaction by Mrs. Smull. She has an endless jar of Hershey Kisses which she doles out to students demonstrating “sweetness for learning”. Mrs. Smull is an educator with heart! I believe that’s what’s missing from the American Education System. Mrs. Smull gives and expects and will forever be tattooed on the hearts of all whom she touches. Thank you for considering our nomination. Please honor Mrs. Smull with your Teacher Salute! Sincerely, Terrie Geisel"