KIX TEACHER OF THE MONTH WITH MATT GREGORY !

Teacher Name: Mr. Greg Bertsch

School: East St Elementary 

Reason for Entry: Mr. Bertsch is a phenomenal teacher. He relates to each student on an individual level. He hasn’t always been a teacher, he realized his calling a little late in life but we are all so happy that he did because teaching our kids is exactly what he was meant to do! He is constantly doing different projects and assignments to keep the kids interested in different subjects. He finds educational ways to make learning fun yet informational.  My son comes home everyday with a new story about the great things he learned and what a great day he had with Mr. Bertsch. When we were listening to 93.1 on his way home from school he heard the commercial to nominate and he immediately yelled that we had to send Mr. Bertsch's name in. When my seven year old can recognize a genuine human being that teaches strictly because he loves to do it, makes that a teacher of a lifetime in my book. I sincerely hope you consider Mr. Bertsch he is a wonderful teacher that has made a huge impact on Ludlow’s children and I cant think of a parent that would disagree! Thank you so much!

Nicole Devine  

MIX Teacher of the month !

Teacher Name: Mrs. Jennifer Marshall 7th grade teacher at                               Thornton W. Burgess Middle School 

Mrs. Marshall is an exceptional example of a teacher who embraces and teaches ALL of her students. My daughter, Karlie, has a dual diagnosis of Down Syndrome and Autism.  Last year and this year in Social Studies, Mrs. Marshall has fully included Karlie in her classroom. Jen Marshall\'s strategies and creativity to teach all students should be an example to all teachers. Karlie has learned the subject matter of her class and Karlie\'s classmates have learned that Karlie learns like they do, that she has a sense of humor and is pretty cool.  Mrs. Marshall will call on Karlie during class to answer questions and the other children in the class have witnessed Karlie participating as they do and they have  even clapped for Kar when she has corrected herself to get the right answer. Jen Marshall also takes her talents outside of the classroom.  She entered Karlie and two other peers in a talent show at Thornton Burgess. She went to rehearsal with them, taught the  m the music, words and sign language to You Are My Sunshine.  The night of the talent show was fantastic. When they finished their song, they received a standing ovation. We have been in the Hampden/Wilbrahm School District for 11 years now and have never experienced a teacher like Jen Marshall. With an ever increasing number of diagnosis of children with special needs, we need teachers like Jen Marshall to see the potential and give the opportunity and support to our children so that they can be a part of their school and later their community.  Jen has taken away the fear of the unknown regarding special needs. Perhaps in the future, the kids in her class may remember their time with Karlie and give kids with special needs a chance to be their employees and/or social interaction.  I have pictures and videos of the talent show that I would love to share if you would like to see. Please select Jennifer Marshall Teacher of the month.  Through your award, other teachers can be  come aware of her talents, strategies and successes.

Pepin Elementary School in East Hampton