Congratulate Maureen Smith, St. Louis' Top Teacher for 2012

Shhhhshhhhooooosh—First-grade teacher, Maureen Smith, in Wildwood is in for a huge surprise any second right now. She's being named St. Louis' Top Teacher of the year in a contest sponsored by Panera/Saint Louis Bread Co.

See Eureka-Wildwood Patch 3 p.m. news flash:

Fairway Elementary School Principal David Cobb said Smith is deserving of this award for many reasons. "The biggest reason being her dedication to all children. While she has a classroom full of students where she displays qualities of a master teacher each and every day, she also works with the community and all stakeholders to ensure students throughout the Rockwood School District are getting the best education possible," he told Patch.

"She goes above and beyond for students, parents, and the community. Rockwood is lucky to have such a dedicated professional."

Cobb said Smith teaches in ways that are different by building relationships with students and parents.

"She works and plans extensively to ensure all students have an opportunity to learn and grow based on their individual learning style. Her commitment to her students is noted through her extensive planning and ability to differentiate and accelerate for all students. She has a natural ability to build respect and rapport with her students while setting high academic goals and allowing each child the opportunity to be the best they can be," he said.

Additionally, Cobb said Smith's contributions are many:  "She has assisted in so many ways to make not only Fairway a better school, but works hard to ensure Rockwood is a premier district. She spends much of her personal time working on committees to improve student learning. Her work ethic, optimism, personality, and dedication to students, teachers, and parents is what makes Maureen deserving of this award."

YOUR TURN:  Please leave good wishes comments to Maureen Smith in the comments' section of this article below. Thanks!