Kelsey Wood and Michael Hall recognized as USD 305 Salina Teachers of the Year
Salina Public Schools USD 305 recognized its Teachers of the Year at its board meeting this week.
Kelsey Wood, a special education teacher at Cottonwood Elementary School, and Michael Hall, a math teacher at Central High School, are this year's recipients of the honor as elementary and secondary Teacher of the Year, respectively.
Wood set apart by "innate ability to foster inclusion" in classroom
In its news release about the recognition, the school district said that Kelsey Wood has been teaching at Cottonwood for six years, including three as a kindergarten teacher before transitioning into special education.
"While many commend her for her contributions as a special education teacher, it's Kelsey's labor of love, advocacy and her innate ability to foster inclusion that sets her apart," USD 305 said. "Kelsey's classroom is where every student's developmental, behavioral and academic needs are met and embraced. She transforms the curriculum to ensure each child's pathway to learning is as uniquely compelling as their needs."
Wood spoke at the board meeting about how when she first came to Salina 10 years ago, she wasn't expecting to stay and make this her home.
"I didn't see a future for myself here," Wood said. "I didn't even know if I wanted to teach, and special education definitely wasn't something I saw myself doing."
She said it was not only good fortune that got her where she is today, but also great opportunities and people who surrounded her.
"I am incredibly humbled and honored to be here tonight and I owe all my success to the people who saw potential in me and encouraged me to go for the things that I was capable of that I never dreamed possible for myself," Wood said.
Hall sees teaching as not "just a job, but a responsibility"
The district said that when Michael Hall's name is mentioned at Central, it is "often met with nods of respect and fond smiles," and that he has a way of teaching math that exists outside of only the textbook.
"(He) has a knack for easing the anxiety often associated with mathematics," USD 305 said. "His classroom is where figures and formulas become accessible and relevant. By integrating real-world examples, Michael demonstrates the use of math in everyday life."
According to the district, Hall is also committed to his students, developing individual relationships and fostering "an environment where mathematics discussion is not a source of fear, but a starting point for growth."
Additionally, Hall is someone who has a philosophy rooted on a principle of high expectations not only for his students, but particularly for himself.
"If you raise the level of expectation, you will raise the outcome," Hall said.
The district said this philosophy extends to every aspect of work, but said "he believes that teaching isn't just a job; it's a responsibility—a duty to fill every second of class with value."
Finally, Hall said teaching is about more than delivering knowledge, but about building character.
"Through helping students with difficult concepts, they can understand that it's okay to struggle and it's important to be able to work at things," Hall said.
This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Salina Public Schools USD 305 recognizes Teachers of the Year
