2 Strongsville Elementary Teachers Win Awards

STRONGSVILLE, OH - Two Muraski Elementary teachers have been recognized for their work in the Strongsville Schools.

First grade teacher Gayle Koestner was named Outstanding District Education by the Strongsville Council PTA. Fourth grade teacher Tim Zimmer received the Sister Rita Mackert Teacher of the Year Award from the Strongsville Council of the Knights of Columbus.

Koestner has been a teacher in the Strongsville Schools for 25 years. The nomination form for Koestner described her like this: “Gayle is 100% dedicated to working with students in her classroom, to reach their full individual potential each and every day. She takes the time to learn about each student, on an individual basis, and designs and differentiates lessons accordingly to enhance their learning.”

The Outstanding District Educator Award is given to an instructor dedicated to the missions and purposes of PTA, like promoting the welfare of children at home, school and in the community. The nominees must also demonstrate an effort to unite the public and educators for the benefit of children.

“It is a true honor to be recognized by PTA Council. When I was first hired to teach in Strongsville, I thought about how lucky I was to be in Strongsville. I have continued to appreciate being at Muraski over my more than two decades of teaching here. Being able to team up with encouraging parents and a supportive staff makes all the difference in helping our students grow on a daily basis in our classroom,” said Koestner.

Zimmer is in his 18th year teaching in Strongsville Schools. He has taught multiple grades in the elementary schools. His nomination form highlighted the following: “Tim is committed to his class, making sure that each student makes a year’s growth, and is ready to move onto the next grade level at the end of the school year. He is creative and engaging and knows how to keep his students on task and focused . . . He manages his classroom like a family, and embodies the quote by Abraham Lincoln - ‘Whatever you are, be a good one.’”

The Sister Rita Mackert Teacher of the Year Award was established in 2017 and is given to an exemplary teacher in the Strongsville Schools. The award is named for Sister Rita Mackert, who taught in Strongsville for 50 years.

“I appreciate the Strongsville Council of the Knights of Columbus in recognizing me with this award. It is truly an honor to work with fantastic students, an amazing staff at Muraski, and supportive parents. This combination leads to success in our classroom and encourages our students to reach their potential each and every day,” said Zimmer.