Four are 'Leaders in Educational Excellence'
Posted on: Dec 6, 2022
Each year Delano Public Schools staff members honor a few outstanding individuals with Leadership in Educational Excellence Awards.
On Nov. 2, DES physical education teacher Mollie Graham, DIS social worker Nicole Gohman, DHS language arts teacher Kellie Makela, and 2021-22 Delano Teacher of the Year Ashley Johnson, who teachers English Language Learners, received their awards at a regional banquet in St. Cloud.
Mollie Graham
Graham, a fourth-year teacher who began her career in Delano, received multiple nominations for the LEEA honor. Co-workers highlighted her upbeat, organized and creative approach to class time, school events and special projects, and said she is a consistent “speak-up leader.”
“In addition to planning and implementing dynamic learning experiences for her physical education and DAPE students, she also takes on every extra project available to her at the elementary,” said one nomination. “This year alone she has led multiple school-wide events including our winter medallion hunt and Olympics events, a bicycling unit in PE, a reading carnival, and our upcoming field day and Tiger Dash 5K events. As if that’s not enough, she also puts together spectacular video packages for DES in her free time any time admin. calls on her. Mollie is a consummate professional who always exhibits excellence and remains tirelessly dedicated to her students and team members.”
Graham said she became a physical education teacher because she wanted to ensure positive experiences for students.
“I love sharing my passion for physical activity and helping others discover enjoyment through their preferred mode of movement,” she said, adding that her favorite aspects of the job include seeing the excitement of students as they enter her class time.
Another thing she has appreciated about her role is “the flexibility to be creative and implement unique units and activities into the curriculum, like building forts in the woods, wheel week, world culture, snowshoeing, and sledding.”
Another nomination said that Graham “brings a room to life.”
“She volunteers for every challenge without hesitation and produces amazing results,” the nomination continued. “Mollie’s dedication to her craft and to this building don’t go unnoticed. She is what we look for in someone who leads with her words and actions.”
For her part, Graham said that she could not have found a better professional home.
“Our elementary school is unlike any other and it is because of our staff, students and families,” she said. “It is an honor to be a part of Delano Elementary School, and I am most grateful for having the opportunity to work alongside our incredible teams of people.”
Nicole Gohman
Gohman has channeled a lifelong desire to help others, particularly children, into a school social work career. She is in her 11th year as a social worker, and eighth year with Delano Public Schools.
“I grew up loving school and knew I wanted to spend my time working in a school, so being a school social worker is a perfect role for me,” Gohman said. “I strive to make school a safe place for all students where they feel heard, cared for, and a sense of belonging.”
Multiple individuals nominated Gohman for the LEEA honor.
“Nicole is a strong advocate in making sure all students feel safe and welcome walking into school each day,” said one anonymous nomination. “She goes out of her way to be helpful to both students and staff.”
Another nomination noted that Gohman has a knack for meeting the social and emotional needs of students, and that the students she serves look forward to meeting with her.
“The benefits of her professional counseling are evident in students (social and emotional) growth,” the nomination said. “DIS students, families and staff are fortunate to benefit from her heartfelt work.”
In addition to counseling, Gohman helps shape a positive school climate and supports the entire student body as a Student Council advisor, as a partner with the United Way program, and as an organizer of special events like Unity Day, Kindness in Chalk and Mental Health Awareness Week.
“I love that I get to work with so many students on a variety of topics and skills,” said Gohman. “I get to incorporate enjoyable learning tools into my sessions with students, such as games, movement, art, reading, play doh, and Legos! I feel especially fortunate to be able to witness students’ growth during their time at DIS, as I typically work with students beyond one year of school.
“I feel incredibly honored to receive this award. The teachers and support staff within Delano Public Schools are outstanding and they are all extremely deserving of this award. I feel fortunate to have been nominated and selected to represent Delano Intermediate as the LEEA recipient this year.”
Kellie Makela
Makela has 20 years of classroom experience, and is in her seventh year of teaching in Delano.
“My first two degrees were in child development and child psychology,” Makela said. “I originally thought I wanted to work in research and therapy. As time went on, I realized that where I really wanted to be was in the classroom. I went back to college and started my teaching journey.”
The transition has been a successful one, as Makela has emerged as a leader in the language arts department, Q-Comp, interventions and the process of making data-driven decisions, according to an anonymous nomination submitted on her behalf.
“She strives to create growth in every student she encounters and works tirelessly to find resources to meet each individual’s needs,” the nomination said. “Kellie is a valuable staff member not only due to her knowledge and use of data, but in the classroom as well. Her passion for creating meaningful units and incorporating technology in Communications Arts has allowed her students to collaborate and learn in new and exciting ways.”
The best teachers never stop developing themselves, and consistently sustain their enthusiasm for working with students. Makela said those things are part of what she enjoys most about her job.
“I enjoy learning and collaborating with teachers who also want to continuously grow, and I still get excited seeing my classroom full of students,” she said.
Ashley Johnson
A full feature about Johnson has been previously shared and is available at https://bit.ly/TeacheroftheYear22.
Post Categories: Elementary School, High School, Intermediate School