1st Grade Teacher Named Teacher of the Month

The following is a press release from the Springfield School District

The Springfield School District September Employee of the Month is Monica VonTanhausen, a first grade teacher at the Springfield Literacy Center. Monica, or as her students call her Mrs. V-T, along with her husband are a longtime residents of Springfield. Their four sons are proud graduates of Springfield High School. Monica originally studied nursing at York College before deciding to become a teacher. She received her instructional certificates in early childhood education and elementary education at Neumann University. She has spent her entire teaching career in the first grade at Springfield. She taught at Sabold for seven years before moving to the SLC when the first grade moved there three years ago.

When one of her current first graders asked her why she became a teacher, she answered her this way, “I love watching you learn. I can see your brains learning and growing through the look you have in your eyes. And, I enjoy learning from you too, every day.” Monica was recently rewarded when a former student who is now a seventh grader in a different school district featured her in an essay about teachers who make a difference in students’ lives. Monica’s first class of first graders are now in tenth grade, she looks forward to their graduation day in June of 2015. She plans on attending their Commencement ceremony to congratulate each one of her former students. "Springfield is a great place to live and work," Monica said as she reflected on her time in the District. “I trusted Springfield with my children’s education, so I understand and respect the trust parents have when they send their children to our schools everyday." In Monica's free time, she enjoys gardening, reading and watching sports with her sons and husband. She also really enjoys going down the shore to Ocean City, NJ.

The staff at the Springfield Literacy Center were quick to recognize Monica for her commitment to teaching. Deb Ford, a colleague on the first grade team said, “Monica consistently motivates and nurtures her first grade students here at the SLC. So many individuals have been touched in a positive was by Monica. She has shared her talents and passion for teaching with mentees and student-teachers alike.  We so appreciate her enthusiasm and efficiency as a team leader. It is a pleasure to work with Monica and she deserves this recognition.” Ashley Wert, who was mentored by Monica last year added, “Monica is a caring teacher who puts her whole heart into her students and her classroom. She is a creative planner with many ideas to share and is an inspirational leader to our team. Monica was a great role model for me to look up to as a new teacher at the SLC.” Wendy Yohn, the SLC principal concluded by saying, Monica is compassionate, professional, knowledgeable, and a dedicated teacher. She always has a positive approach and a kind word for students and staff alike. She is a building leader on the first grade team and a great example of what the ‘SLC Family’ is like.” For all these reasons and many more, we are proud to celebrate Monica VonTanhausen as the Springfield School District September Employee of the Month.