SSD Salutes 2023
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Key to the Classroom 2023
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SSD's teaching staff is widely known to be among the best in our state. Their dedication to our students is extraordinary and the collective impact of their expertise is evident in our students' success.
The Key to the Classroom award celebrates the profound effect these teachers have had on the lives of their students and colleagues, as noted in their nominations submitted by SSD families, colleagues, and community members. Each nomination was carefully considered by a judging panel of SSD administrators. These 10 outstanding educators were then given the opportunity to be considered as candidates for SSD's Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations to this year's Key to the Classroom award winners and our Teacher of the Year!
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Cantino Selected as SSD's 2023 Teacher of the Year
March 13, 2023 - Congratulations to Michelle Cantino, SSD’s 2023 Teacher of the Year!
As a job skills teacher at Neuwoehner High School, she strives to support her students’ transition into adulthood. She helps create and maintain opportunities for students to get work experience by partnering with people and agencies in the community. At Neuwoehner, she was instrumental in bringing the Neu Brew Café to fruition and ensuring students have an in-house opportunity to practice communication and hone their practical skills.
Join us in celebrating Cantino for her impactful work and dedication to SSD students!
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Click on the photos to learn more about our 2023 Key to the Classroom winners!
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Shannon Cancila
Shannon Cancila
Teacher
Marquette High School, Rockwood School District“Shannon is an outstanding educator. She truly operates from a student-centered mindset, taking care to address each student's academic, social, and emotional needs. She is an incredible co-worker, and the SSD and Marquette communities are lucky to have her!” -Emily Stockwell
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Michelle Cantino (TOY)
Michelle Cantino
Teacher
Neuwoehner High School, Special School District“Mrs. Cantino is skilled at creating learning experiences that are meaningful for her students. As a teacher working with students who will access supported or competitive employment, Mrs. Cantino strikes to provide opportunities that promote growth in communication and other skills needed for success after graduation.” -Kim Fine
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Rachel Gill
Rachel Gill
Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Brown Elementary, Hazelwood School District“Her assumption of positive intent, the respect she shows for everyone, and the absolute excitement about everything she does is contagious. Teachers always want to be on teams with Rachel because they know she gives her all and will lift up the team by providing not only the organization and framework to be successful in any task, but the enthusiasm to make anything fun for both students and staff.” -Lauren Walls
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Angie Harrell
Angie Harrell
Teacher
South Technical High School, Special School District“Mrs. Harrell exemplifies everything a student could ask for in a teacher. She works hard every day to develop meaningful relationships with her students, to guide them through a challenging curriculum, and help them discern if a career in the healthcare field is part of their future. Mrs. Harrell’s success is no accident, but the result of her dedication to students and love of teaching.“ -Elaine Baumann
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Colleen Kubiak
Colleen Kubiak
Teacher
Lindbergh Early Childhood Education, Lindbergh Schools“Colleen has the unique ability to foster a learning environment that fully engages each student’s interests. She does a great job of creating new and exciting ways to keep students progressing through their curriculum. Colleen is great to work with and an incredible asset to the SSD team.” -Mary Fogerty
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Kelsey Lang
Kelsey Lang
Teacher
Barretts Elementary, Parkway Schools“Kelsey demonstrates exceptional skill and dedication to her students and partner district community. Her calm demeanor, commitment to building independence, and flexible use of tools are just a few examples of the thoughtful ways she serves her students. Her outreach efforts with the Parkway community have a lasting impact - creating more opportunities to foster understanding and inclusion." -Katie Campbell
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Zach Parkin
Zach Parkin
Teacher
Neuwoehner High School, Special School District“Mr. Parkin is an advocate for not just the students for whom he provides special education services, but for all students in our school community. He works with students in identifying their personal goals and helps them use critical thinking to create action steps in reaching those goals.” -Michelle Cantino
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Jamie Rose
Jamie Rose
Teacher
Tillman Elementary, Kirkwood School District“Jamie Rose is a powerful and dedicated special education teacher with many tools in her toolbox that she shares with coworkers and students. She makes a powerful impact on the lives of her students every day. Tillman is very lucky to have Jaime as an educator and advocate for students with special needs.” -Therese Shain
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Kristin Vergano
Kristin Vergano
Teacher
South Technical High School, Special School District“Kristin Vergano is a leader to both her students and peers. She goes above and beyond to make a positive impact in the lives of her students and coworkers.” -Melissa Maness
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Nikki Winckel
Nikki Winckel
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Oakbrook Elementary, Parkway Schools“Nikki is truly an artist in the world of education. She uses her skills of connection, attunement, and stagecraft as the foundation of her canvas; her students being the main portrait as they find their voice and bring color and light as they grow and learn.” -Julie Harter