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The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Kathy Bouchard
Teacher of the Month
By Crystal Patriache
Kim Lunsford of Peoria, Ill., used to work alongside Bouchard and she says Bouchard embodies what a wonderful teacher is like. Walking into Bouchard's classroom gives the feeling that something good is happening there, Lunsford says, and that something is learning.
"She lives for her 'kids,'" says Lunsford. "I have watched her teach and seen the sparkle in her eyes when her kids get the point. She loves her students and her job."
Bethel agrees that Bouchard has developed an excellent rapport with her students due to her fairness, honesty, high expectations, trust and encouragement. He says that she possesses a caring attitude and a desire for her students to succeed.
"Middle school students are experts at detecting whether or not a teacher genuinely cares about their success and well being and Kathy does," says Bethel. "She possesses many traits that make her stand out as an excellent teacher. As an administrator, I admire her desire to continue to learn new teaching strategies to keep all students interested and engaged in learning process."
When asking Bouchard what is unique or fun about her teaching style, she turns to her students and asks them what they like about her classes. They answer enthusiastically, "You make learning fun!" and "You make us laugh!" and "You tell us stories about how bad of a kid you used to be!"
They particularly like the blue head named Shurley in Bouchard's classroom. Shurley is part of Bouchard's grammar program. Using a blue head as a symbo helped to create interest, says Bouchard. It became such a part of the everyday routine that her and the students gave Shurley a birthday party and played grammar games.