Teachers have many roles as coach, tutor, adviser, guide, mentor, expert, friend and partner to their students and families. We all have teachers who have made a lasting impact in our lives. And, KPLR 11 wants to honor those in the St. Louis Metro Area with our Tools for Teachers program presented by Weber Chevrolet Creve Coeur.
Check Below for Our Winners So Far !
If you have a teacher that has made a special impact on your life click here and nominate them.
KPLR11 and Weber Chevrolet in Creve Coeur, MO have entered into a partnership to show our appreciation for teachers in the St. Louis area.
To show our appreciation, we are asking our viewers to nominate a teacher who is making an impact on your child’s life.
Tell us how this teacher is making a difference, and once a month, Weber Chevrolet will give a local teacher a package including: $500 to use in their classroom and 2 tickets to The Saint Louis Science Center for every student in their class. Teachers are also involved in continuous learning. Their education never stops. They are the future of our children.
Biology teacher John Morrison of Barat Academy in Chesterfield is the first winner in the ‘Tools for Teachers Program”.
What happens when students get great teachers? Their world of possibilities opens. KPLR 11 is honoring the outstanding teachers in the St. Louis area with our Tools for Teachers program sponsored by Weber Chevrolet.
He was nominated by Abby Hebron who states that the impact Mr. Morrison has made on his class is awesome. He brings enthusiasm and great insight into the world of biology. CONGRATULATIONS John Morrison !
Kendra Berry was our second “Tools for Teachers” recipient of $500.00 from Weber Chevrolet that she can use in her classroom along with 2 tickets to the Ominmax St. Louis Science Center for each student in her class.
Teachers have many roles as coach, tutor, adviser, guide, mentor, expert, friend and partner to their students and families. We all have teachers who have made a lasting impact in our lives. CONGRATULATIONS Kendra Berry !
April’s recipient is Mrs. Christa Luu from St. Theodore Catholic School in Wentzville MO.
Teachers are our gateway to the future for our children. They have many roles in our children’s lives – they are coaches, tutors, advisers, guides, mentors, and partners to the family in the growth and education of our children. As a parent, I love hearing the stories from my children not only enjoying their time at school with her, but also being excited about what they learn from her. Christa does science experiments with her class, and she loves teaching Math to her students. Mrs. Luu has also brought the JA Biztown program to her school which allows the 5th graders to experience life in the grown-up world for a day. From all of us at Weber Chevrolet – Congratulations Christa Luu!
Joel Gherardini is a dynamic charismatic 6th-8th grade autism teacher.
His students are learning social skills daily, as well as their needed academics. The students all have Asperger’s Syndrome, a condition along the Autism spectrum. It’s a small self contained class with 6-9 students.
Joel has brought these children up to grade level learning through his innovative teaching techniques. He has not only taken into account their academic needs but also physical.
Mr. Gherardini is currently on a quest to acquire “busy body seating/stability ball chairs” for these students in order to provide a safe, passive way to keep their bodies busy during the school day. Mr. Gherardini is a young innovative teacher that would put this award to wonderful use in his classroom. CONGRATULATIONS Joel Gherardini !
We received a nomination from a former student, Cassandra, at Alt Academy in the Mehlville School District, about her teacher, Loren Widmer. Loren will receive $500.00 from Weber Chevrolet to use in her classroom.
She also gets 2 tickets to the St. Louis Science Center Omnimax Theater for every student in her class.
Tell us about a teacher who has made an impact in your life and once a month, Weber Chevrolet will give a local teacher a package including: $500 to use in their classroom, 2 tickets to the Science Center for every student in their class, and $100 U-Gas fuel card. CONGRATULATIONS Loren Widmer !
Even during the summer months, KPLR’s Tools for Teachers sponsored by Weber Chevrolet continues.
And just before the school year starts up again, we want to tell you about a special teacher at Cleveland Junior Naval Academy which is a part of the St. Louis Public Schools. What is unique about this teacher is that he was nominated by his principal! When you get a nod from your boss, it’s a very special way to be recognized. Dr. Susan Viviano is the principal at Cleveland Junior Naval Academy and she wrote in to tell us how Michael Baird’s high school English course is leaving a lasting impression on his students.
KPLR 11’s Tools for Teachers program is presented by Weber Chevrolet. If you’d like to nominate a teacher visit: Nominate a “Tools for Teachers” candidate on KPLR11.com CONGRATULATIONS Michael Baird!
We often think of teaching being the traditional subjects – math, science, social studies, English, but equally as important is music education. This month, we’re pleased to be able to showcase a music teacher in our Tools for Teachers program sponsored by Weber Cheverolet.
Congratulations to Matt Edmundson, or “Mr. Eddie” as his students call him, is a music teacher at Wildhorse Elementary School in the Rockwood School District. Mr. Eddie finds very interesting and innovative ways to use music education to inspire his students – including the reason for his Mohawk. He challenged his students to raise 2000 dollars for cancer research and he would shave his head. On the last day of school they shaved his head on stage.
He was nominated by a former co-worker, Mia Fusco. CONGRATULATIONS Mr. Eddie !
Today, we are thrilled to feature our first high school coach who is going above and beyond in the world of sports. This coach wants to make sure his students are active learners across all of their subject areas.
Coach Stephen Mouser is a basketball coach from Herculaneum High School who received $500.00 from Weber Chevrolet plus two tickets to the St. Louis Science Center for his students. Mouser was nominated by Ila McGuire. KPLR 11’s Tools for Teachers program is presented by Weber Chevrolet. CONGRATULATIONS Stephen Mouser!
Kyle Gordon is today’s Tools for Teachers Recipient. Mr. Gordon teaches Social Studies & Leadership at Collinsville High School. He was nominated by his student, Kelsie Jeffries. Here is how Kelsie describes her advisor.
“Mr. Gordon is one of the most dedicated teachers I have ever had. He teaches social studies and leadership at Collinsville High School. Most importantly, he is my Student Council Advisor at Collinsville. We have over four hundred members on our council, the largest in the nation. Mr. Gordon devotes countless hours every day to improving our student council, school, and community. He makes sure that everyone has a voice and is included in council activities. He is a great role model, leader, and teacher. He leads with care and passion. He will fight for us until the end and will always make sure we have access to the best of what the world can provide to us as students. CONGRATULATIONS Mr. Gordon !
Our Tools for Teachers program sponsored by Weber Chevrolet awarded $500.00 from Weber Chevrolet to our first ever Principal, Mr. Thomas Dittrich from Hancock Place Middle School.
Tom and his wife Erin, also an administrator at the school, started the Tigers Elite baseball and softball programs growing to coach over 150 kids during the summer months. Tom is known for motivating students to have a passion for education – he’s eaten bugs, hosted dunk tanks, and ice bucket challenges. CONGRATULATIONS Thomas Dittrich !
Weber Chevrolet would like to congratulate Dawn Poe , an English teacher at Pontiac Junior High School in Fairview Heights, IL., our December winner in the Tools for Teachers Program. She was nominated by one of her previous students. Her nomination follows: I would Like to nominate a very special educator/ friend/ Mom figure in my life. My 8th Grade Teacher Dawn Poe.
Mrs Poe is an 8th Grade English Teacher and Athletic Director at Pontiac Junior High School in Fairview Heights Il and she is the greatest person not just teacher I have ever met in my life. Growing up I attended a school from pre K- 7th Grade and my 8th Grade year I moved to a different school district where I met Mrs Poe.
Mrs. Poe challenged me and was there for me in ways I was not use to before from a teacher. A Brief Paragraph is not enough to explain or to do justice for what she has meant to me in life. From Supporting me in all of my extra circular activities such as Baseball, Basketball and Track all the way through College. One Time she attended one of my Select Baseball games when I was in High School and during that game I took a Ground ball to the face and broke my nose. Mrs Poe road to the Hospital with me and a women who she had never met just to ensure I was ok and that she was there for me. She promised me in 8th grade that whenever I needed her she would be there for me. And still to this Day she has been any and everything she said she would be and more.
I am now in college Majoring in Elementary Education because I too want to inspire and want to give Children the same Love I was blessed with from Mrs Poe. I am an African American male and in the Elementary teaching world kids without fathers seem to look up to me in amazing ways and I love every minute of it. Mrs Poe is not African American but I believe that’s what makes her so amazing. She is Truly a mother figure to me and in my life. I have been out of 8th Grade for 8 years now and her love for me has never ever once went away. I honestly believe she is a god given gift to our world. Mrs Poe is still a teacher at Pontiac Junior High School and I coach Baseball, 8th Grade Basketball and Boys Track currently at Pontiac Junior High School so I can to do my part to give kids at least half of the love Mrs Poe has given me over the years.
Congratulations go to Darnell Young, our Tools For Teachers winner for Jan 2015 – Mr. Young has taught 7th grade earth science at Crestview Middle School in the Rockwood School District for approximately 28 years.
As a science teacher, he takes pride in working successfully with “at risk kids”, and children from various cultures and backgrounds. His science curriculum is also reflective of the many achievements and contributions of minorities in science over the years.
In his classroom you can find a wide array of posters reflecting the pride he shares for minority scientists and inventors. What sets Mr. Young apart from others is that he goes a step beyond what is expected of him. CONGRATULATIONS Darnell Young !
Anna McGuire, a 2nd grade teacher from the Mehlville School District. She was nominated by Kathy Donahue, who’s child is a student of Anna’s.
Kathy states: She is a passionate, kind, and caring teacher, sincerely interested in the uniqueness of each child she teaches. There is no cookie cutter approach in her teaching style. We will be forever grateful for Anna, and all that she did to help our son Derek.
There’s no one who deserves this reward more than she does. I cannot wait to see all the cool things she decides to buy with the $500 from Weber Chevrolet. I am positive that she will use it to help all of her students, just as she did to help my son, Derek. CONGRATULATIONS Anna McGuire !
Ms. Tyler is a one of those rare teachers that you hope every child gets to have so that their learning experience is a positive and rewarding one. Zion Lutheran in St Charles is truly blessed with a wonderful teacher and makes Zion that much more pleasant to come too every day.
Ms. Tyler is an amazing person. Ms. Tyler has opened the eyes of her students up by taking a different approach when it comes to the students holiday parties. Her class still has a holiday party but the focus becomes on how the students can serve others in their community. For the Fall Harvest Party the students made place mats for Meals on Wheels clients, for Christmas we adopted a family in the St. Louis area who had a child who had been going through cancer treatments.
Ms. Tyler’s class raised $500.00 and we then took the students to a local store and we were able to purchase various items for the entire family to ensure they had a nice Christmas. For Valentines Day the class went to a local Assisted living Facility and sang some songs and passed out valentines to the residents. Through out the year it is not uncommon to find Ms. Tyler’s 1st Grade class making cards for those who are shut ins or sick. The students have learned all year to think more of others and not themselves. She receives the award of $500 from Skip Weber and Weber Chevrolet In Appreciation Of Her Efforts To Her Students.
Our May Tools for Teachers winner is Amie Branch, a Biology Teacher at Hancock Place High School. She’s a cross country and cheer-leading coach and the founder of Varsity H. It?s an organization to promote school spirit, service and sportsmanship within the school community. Amie Branch embodies what our Tools for Teachers Program is all about. She was nominated by her student, Fatima Sehic.
CONGRATULATIONS Amie Branch !
Congratulations to Kari Kraichely, our June Tools for Teachers award recipient. She is the teacher in charge of Special Services grades 5-6 at Kipp Inspire. Kari has dedicated her career to the under-served in St Louis, She has great dedication to her students, her kids always come first. Kari manages to be an advocate for the youth of the City of St. Louis, a beacon of hope for their parents, a leader , a mentor to her employees, a mother to her daughter and a truly wonderful human being. CONGRATULATIONS Kari Kraichely !
Tracey Hamilton is a Life Skills teacher at Collinsville Middle School and the winner of our Tools for Teachers award. She was nominated for her work with middle school students to help them start to think about career choices, social skills, table manners, and personal hygiene.
Tracey teaches her students how to do laundry, clean the house and other social skills they need when they graduate! CONGRATULATIONS Tracey Hamilton !
Kaylan Hollaway was nominated by Chelsea Smith, one of his students.
She nominated him because of his ability to connect with his students. Mr Holloway is from the north st louis area so he understands the challenges his students face in their daily life. Mr Holland views teaching as his ministry and by this he is more than just a teacher, he is an educator, mentor, and doctor. He teaches at Central. Congratulations Mr. Holloway.
Shelly Schaefer is a 3rd grade teacher at Roosevelt School in the Belleville District 118 and she is our Tools for Teachers recipient for September 2015 sponsored by Weber Chevrolet. She was nominated by Winifer Greer because of her abilities to focus on the curriculum in her classroom, but also create well-rounded students OUTSIDE the classroom. She brings an excitement into the classroom that makes students want to learn. She sits on the curriculum committee but when she noticed kids seemed to need more physical activity; her character running club was created. Congratulations Shelly Schaefer!
Kevin Hampton is our “Tools for Teachers” recipient and today, will receive $500 from Weber Chevrolet for his efforts to reach high school students with video production, something not offered in every high school district. He is an English teacher with a passion for video production.
He created a media production across multiple schools in the Ferguson-Florissant school district. Kevin was nominated by one of his former students, Matt Sanders. Congratulations Kevin Hampton!
Ashley Crompton is a Second Grade Teacher from Smithton ILL who has the biggest heart when it comes to children. All year long she does fundraising to raise money for a camp she puts on for abused children. The camp is called Royal Kids Camp. It’s a week long camp where these kids go to do Team building activities that build their self-esteem. She also recruits teenagers to volunteer their time to help out and be role models for these abused kids.
Not only does she put a lot of her time, money and effort into helping these kids but she also requests the children who have behavior issues to be in her class so she can boost their self esteem as well. She knows these children struggle with making good choices and she celebrates their successes when they do the right thing. Congratulations Ashley Crompton!
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, a division of the U.S. Department of Education, children who read at home enjoy a substantial advantage over children who do not. And that brings us to Denise Ruebhausen, a teacher at Wilson Elementary School in Granite City. She created “Baggie Books” for her students to learn to love reading. She is the recipient of our Tools for Teachers award, presented by Weber Chevrolet. Denise will receive $500 to continue her mission to get her kids to love reading.
Denise was nominated by a parent of one of her students who couldn’t be with us, but is joined by a co-worker, Lisa Smith who has seen the impact of the Baggie Books program.
Congratulations Denise Ruebhausen!
Congratulations to Samantha Lurie, our January 2016 Tools for Teachers award recipient. Samantha teaches at Vashon High School. She was nominated by Kaylan Holloway who met Samantha through the ‘Teach for America Program’. Samantha has a passion for every students learning and also challenges all teachers to carry those characteristics into the classroom. Within her 8 years at Vashon, Samantha has literally changed the lives of countless students. One of her biggest projects is the “Show Me Costa Rica” Project. Within this initiative she takes nearly 15 students on a trip to Costa Rica where they explore the culture, landscape and education system of the country. In many cases, these students may have never traveled outside of St. Louis, so this exposure is truly a catalyst for putting them on track towards excellence once back in the classroom. This past November, she was recognized as the St. Louis Public School’s Special Education teacher of the year for her outstanding performance in the classroom.
Congratulations Samantha Lurie!
Congratulations Christie Perkins – Kindergarten marks the official start of children entering a traditional learning environment. Often overlooked are the teachers who establish a desire for learning before a child starts kindergarten. And that is why we are honoring, Christie Perkins with our Tools for Teachers award this month. She has been teaching pre-schoolers at Sappington Child Care Center for almost 35 years. She will receive $500 today from Weber Chevrolet. Congratulations Christie Perkins!
Kent oversees the percussion program for Rockwood Summit High School and Middle School. His students have reached incredible levels of success. For state solo and ensemble this year, the high school sent over 20 percussion ensembles and soloists with the majority of them earning 1 or top ratings.
Kent spends hours daily, even during the summer, working working with the students to give them the best experience possible. There is a strong alumni base with students coming back to visit each year because of the relationships he made on the students.
Kent is also a great father that understands his priorities and works successfully to have a balanced home and school life. I don’t know that I could think of a better teacher to win this honor. Congratulations Kent!
Kristen is a tireless educator. She not only has a full-time classroom, but devotes so much of her time to Student Council and Student Government along with overseeing so many sporting activities and helping with concession stand details. We are a small school district and she is constantly taking up the slack in every direction. She also is such a role model for our children.
Kristen is always there for her students during and after school. She is constantly guiding them and pushing them to their fullest potential. She deserves this recognition so much! She’s the kind of educator that you hope and pray your children get the opportunity to meet along the way.
Ms. Wilkey received $500.00 from Weber Chevrolet
Amanda is a 4th grade teacher at Carondelet Leadership Academy in South City. She began her career as a teacher 6 years ago and has moved around within CLA, from 2nd to 3rd and now 4th grade, after being asked by administration to do so. This has not been done with any other teachers at her school. She is especially interested in gifted education which is known today as STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Math) or STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts & Math). In order to better herself and get more involved in this type of classroom teaching, she enrolled at Maryville University last week and started graduate classes specializing in Gifted Education.
Amanda received $500.00 from Weber Chevrolet