Knights Of Columbus Name Strongsville Teacher Of The Year

STRONGSVILLE, OH — The Knights of Columbus named sixth grade teacher Kathy Janke the winner of the 2018 Sister Rita Mackert Teacher of the Year Award. The award is given to one outstanding teacher in the Strongsville School District each year.

Janke is a science teacher at Strongsville Middle School, and a teacher on the Cruisers Team. She has been with the Strongsville Schools for 28 years.

“I am honored, humbled and overwhelmed to receive this award from the Knights of Columbus. It truly is a privilege to come to work every day in our District. I believe that ‘success breeds success’ and that it is a teacher's greatest job to help students become successful, and reach their full potential. Like most teachers, I am most excited about helping students have those ‘aha’ moments,” said Janke.

The form nominating Janke included several kind comments. For instance, “Mrs. Janke makes learning come alive for her students. Her classroom is a space of hands on experiments, with students in the driver’s seat. She guides through inquiry and students are engaged and active in their learning. As a grade level Team Leader, Mrs. Janke ensures her teaching team creates opportunities for students to be recognized, receive assistance when needed, and feel a part of the Strongsville Middle School community.”

Ranke has lived in Strongsville for more than two decades.

“Mrs. Janke not only has a passion for teaching, but a passion for kids. Always looking to excel in her craft, Mrs. Janke finds ways to challenge and engage her students with inquiry-based lessons and engages students so that they are giving their best effort each day. Kind-hearted, inviting and approachable, she builds rapport with her students that helps connect learning in and out of the classroom. We are lucky to have Mrs. Janke as part of the Strongsville Middle School family,” said Steve Deitrick, Strongsville Middle School Principal.

Photo from Strongsville Schools