Elementary teacher Michele Page is one  of eight teachers who have earned a Distinguished Classroom Teacher award by the Wichita Public School District.  Photo credit: Wichita Public Schools

It is always a pleasure for me to share the story of an exceptional teacher who has earned recognition for her work with young people. Today, I share the story of Michele Page, an elementary school teacher from Wichita, Kansas. She has been named one of eight educators to receive a Distinguished Classroom Teacher award by the Wichita Public School District.

Currently Michele teaches fourth graders at Ernest O. Lawrence Elementary School, but her career as a professional educator spans 20 years. She decided to become a teacher when she was in college, she says. That’s when her mother encouraged her to volunteer in a local elementary school. Once she saw how teachers help their students grow, both personally and academically, she knew she had found her calling.

Michele strives to recognize the individual needs of each of her students, and to understand each one’s unique abilities, backgrounds, and experiences. She designs her curriculum to reflect this, she declares.

Every month, Michele leads her students in organizing a community service project. Examples are collecting blankets for the local Humane Society, another month they may make cards to send to US veterans, and another month they may create treat bags for children at the Wichita Children’s Home. “That’s how they learn they are part of a larger community,” Michele explains.

Teachers who were selected for the honor were nominated by a parent, building administrator, or colleague. Final selections were chosen by a committee comprised of principals, assistant principals, teachers, support staff, the assistant superintendents of elementary and secondary schools, and a member of United Teachers of Wichita. This year, there were more than 250 nominees.