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Garrett First Grade Teacher Named HSD Outstanding First Year Teacher
As students and staff members at Garrett Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District gathered in the gym for the Pledge of Allegiance, the Garrett pledge and “The Star-Spangled Banner,” two people had another mission in mind.
Mary Piper, interim superintendent, and Paula Brown, professional development coordinator, awarded first grade teacher Ben Kriegel with the district’s Outstanding First Year Teacher Award.
“Mr. Kriegel’s natural demeanor is fun to watch with the children,” said Principal Crystal Reiter. “He builds relationships with each child and he takes the time to know them individually. His rapport with students is excellent. He is positive and caring in his interactions. Mr. Kriegel has a very natural way of interacting with his students and the students respect that and respond positively to that interaction. He is motivating and inspiring.”
Kriegel seem embarrassed by the attention yet he acted very calm when he received the news.
“I felt very privileged to receive such an award,” he said. “This year has been hard, but rewarding at the same time. When Dr. Piper came in, I was surprised to see her but I knew why she was there. This type of award is something that I strived for throughout the entire year and I was honored when Dr. Reiter nominated me.”
Principals nominate first-year teachers who are distinguished in student instruction and student and staff interaction, among other areas. Each nominee submits narratives with questions such as, “Describe the person or event that influenced you to become a teacher” and “What is happening in your classroom now involving instructional techniques and student learning that you consider successful?” A committee of district principals reviews the nomination forms and narrows the list for interviews.
Kriegel started his teaching career at Hazelwood in the University of Missouri Teaching Fellowship Program. It is a one-year master’s degree program in which participants work within the classroom. They also take college courses while teaching two to three days a week. Last year, he taught second grade at Arrowpoint Elementary School as a teaching fellow before moving to Garrett and first grade as a full-time teacher.
“I really hope that this type of award continues to push me to work even harder in the years to come, ultimately making an even bigger impact on the children I teach,” said Kriegel. (Story courtesy of Hazelwood District Communications Dept.)
