Schell Elementary School 2026

Katie Keyes

Schell Elementary School - 1st Grade Elementary Teacher
E-mail congrats

Teaching Philosophy

My philosophy of teaching is rooted in the belief that children learn best when they feel heard, loved, respected, and understood. Education is not limited to academic growth alone; it is a partnership between the child, the family, and the teacher. I believe strongly that parents and teachers are a team, working together with a shared goal of helping each child succeed.

Building meaningful relationships with families is a priority in my classroom. I work intentionally to include parents in their child’s education and to maintain open, consistent communication throughout the school year. I meet with parents as often as possible to keep them informed and up to date on their child's progress, strengths, and needs. I also provide ideas, strategies, and materials that help families understand what we are doing in the classroom so they can confidently support and participate in their child's learning at home.

Within the classroom, I strive to create a safe, welcoming environment where students feel like they are part of a family. I meet students where they are academically, socially, and emotionally, and I support them as they work toward success. It is important to me that students not only grow in their learning, but also feel genuinely cared for by me and by their classmates.

I believe that every child deserves to feel included and valued. Each student in my classroom knows they will be heard during discussions, learning activities, and play. When students feel respected and understood, they are more willing to take risks, share their thinking, and fully engage in learning. This sense of belonging helps foster a love for school and a positive attitude toward learning.

I often hear students say they wish they could stay in school with me instead of going on breaks, and I view this as a reflection of the environment I strive to create. My goal is for students to want to be at school and to develop a genuine love for learning. When children enjoy learning, mastering skills, developing curiosity, and becoming more independent learners happens naturally.

Ultimately, I want my students to leave my classroom with confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning. By feeling supported, valued, and excited about learning, they are better prepared to grow academically and personally, both in school and beyond.

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Principal's Recommendation

Dear Teacher of the Year Selection Committee:

I am proud to recommend Katie Keyes as Schell Elementary's Teacher of the Year for the 2025–2026 school year.

Since joining the Schell community in 2018, Ms. Keyes has consistently been a source of support, encouragement, and positivity for students and staff across all grade levels and teams. She approaches her work with kindness, flexibility, and a strong commitment to inclusion, always ensuring that every student feels welcomed, supported, and capable of success. Whether she is supporting a colleague, collaborating across teams, or advocating for a student, Ms. Keyes leads with professionalism and heart.

Ms. Keyes is an exceptional classroom teacher who combines strong organization and instructional expertise with genuine care for her students. She designs engaging lessons that meet a wide range of academic and social emotional needs and is especially skilled at supporting students who require additional structure, reassurance, or behavior support. Through consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement, she creates a classroom environment where students feel safe to take risks and grow. Her ability to balance high expectations with patience and warmth allows all learners, including those who struggle, to make meaningful academic and behavioral progress.

One of Ms. Keyes's greatest strengths is her ability to build strong relationships with families. From the very first meeting, parents frequently share how welcomed and reassured they feel by her calm and caring approach. She communicates proactively, follows through consistently, and takes time to understand each child as an individual. Families often note the thoughtful gestures she makes to ensure students feel included and valued, and they regularly express appreciation for her responsiveness and advocacy on behalf of their children.

Beyond her classroom, Ms. Keyes is a trusted leader among her peers. She willingly supports teammates, mentors others, and contributes positively to campus initiatives. Her integrity, reliability, and collaborative spirit make her someone others naturally turn to for guidance and support. Ms. Keyes's dedication to students, families, and colleagues has had a lasting and meaningful impact on the Schell Elementary community. She embodies the qualities of an outstanding educator and is highly deserving of recognition as Schell Elementary's Teacher of the Year for 2025–2026.

Sincerely,

Kristin Glasscock
Principal
Shell Elementary School