Four outstanding MRH educators were announced today as Teachers of the Year for their respective school buildings (video HERE).
Jordan Willimann, Middle School math teacher, was crowned District Teacher of the Year during a surprise visit by Supt. Dr. Bonita Jamison. The other surprise for Jordan was the presence of his wife Erica, both of them treated to a raucous crowd of cheering students and staff members all along the Middle School hallway.
In his nominating letter, MRHMS Principal Dr. Mike Dittrich wrote "Mr. Willimann knows that he must find the right balance of building relationships, building background, challenging students with productive growth and meeting students social and emotional needs. He does all this while serving in multiple leadership capacities that keep the cogs moving at MRH."
Jordan will also be feted as Educator of the Year by the Mid-County Chamber of Commerce at their annual gala on October 8, and becomes an Emerson Gold Star Teacher of Excellence.
Sarah Schondelmeyer was named MRH Elementary Teacher of the Year amidst cheers from her students and administrators. Dr. Angela Thompson, MRHE principal, gushed "Sarah is a dynamic 3/4 looping teacher. Her passion-filled efforts extend well beyond the classroom. Sarah is also the co-leader of the K-6 Science curriculum action team -- a group that has only recently grown into existence; a group that has done a major overhaul to bring in new curricular resources and content alignment. Sarah’s leadership and advocacy have paved the way for our youngest MRH learners to identify as scientists, to demonstrate curiosity and critical thinking, and to grow in citizenship and stewardship."
The MRH High School Teacher of the Year, Kris Roudebush, reacted with disbelief when her surprise announcement was made, remarking that ALL MRH teachers should be considered Teachers of the Year (as in 2020). The English teacher was lauded by Principal Dr. Kevin Grawer as an educator who "embraces her uniqueness to the utmost and our students love her for it. Of course, Kris is also an expert in her content, able to get along with and inspire students, and maintains a high professional standard."
Each of the Teachers of the Year received gifts including tickets to upcoming St. Louis Cardinals baseball games.
A posthumous honor was given to Ann Graham, the beloved MRH Early Childhood Center preschool teacher who passed away a year ago after a cancer battle.
For more information, contact MRH School District at (314) 644-4400.