Clearview Elementary First Grade Teacher Keli Schneider Named SDOW, WINGS Teacher of the Year
Keli Schneider, first-grade teacher at Clearview Elementary, has been named the School District of Washington and WINGS Teacher of the Year.
WINGS recognizes a teacher of the year from the School District of Washington each year. The recipient receives a check for $1,000.
Schneider has been in education for 15 years. She’s been with the School District of Washington for 13 years, all as a first-grade teacher at Clearview Elementary.
“I am completely shocked. I am just a classroom teacher that cares deeply for her students and their education,” Schneider said about receiving the award. “To be honored in this way means so much to me. I certainly don't feel deserving of this honor, but I am very appreciative of this recognition.”
Schneider is now eligible for the Regional Teacher of the Year. The Regional Teacher of the Year will then be in the running for the State Teacher of the Year.
Anyone had the opportunity to submit a nomination for the School District of Washington and WINGS Teacher of the Year.
SDOW Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart and a committee reviewed the nominations and submitted a group of finalists to the WINGS Board, who selected the winner.
“Mrs. Schneider is an exceptional representation of the teaching profession by setting a foundation of building strong relationships and high engagement in the classroom every day,” Kephart said. “From individual calls at the start of the year to regular updates throughout, Mrs. Schneider ensures that families are integral to her students' learning journey. With an unwavering commitment to student growth and development, Mrs. Schneider’s dedication to fostering strong family-school partnerships underscores her exceptional impact on Clearview Elementary and throughout our community.”
Schneider found out about the award during an assembly at Clearview Elementary on Friday, April 5. Members of WINGS and SDOW administrators were on hand for the announcement.
“It was an unforgettable experience. The excitement of my students, former students, and co-workers was so sweet to witness. It made this experience and honor that much more special, because I got to share it with all of them,” Schneider said.
“In the time that I have worked with Keli, I have observed her passion for students and desire to help them make progress,” said Clearview Elementary Principal Dr. Matt Busekrus. “Keli has a true desire to help her students grow and support their individual needs. She works hard to make her lessons meaningful and engaging. I also appreciate her understanding that learning needs to be fun. She makes the effort to incorporate fun activities in her lesson when appropriate. Keli is an advocate for her students and works hard to give them the support they need.”
Schneider is proud to be part of the Clearview Elementary staff.
“I feel incredibly lucky to work with such wonderful people each day. Dr. Busekrus is a great leader, who is supportive of his staff, and is always dedicated to making Clearview a welcoming, positive and safe environment for staff, students and families,” Schneider said. “All of my co-workers are simply the best. I feel like we are a well-oiled machine at Clearview. We have a lot of respect for one another, and we work well together. We always have our students' best interest at heart, and strive to create an environment that is uplifting and productive.”
Making a difference with her students is important to Schnieder, and a big reason why she chose to pursue a career in education.
“I decided to become a teacher because I wanted a meaningful career. I love working with kids, building connections with their families, and the challenge of making learning fun, engaging and meaningful for my students,” Schneider said. “Although teaching has become increasingly more difficult through the years, I still love what I do. I love that every day is different. I love the interactions, stories and hugs I get to experience daily. And I love the fact that I am constantly being challenged and learning from others. I can't imagine doing anything else.”
Schneider earned her associates degree from East Central College, her undergrad, in elementary education, from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, her masters in school administration from Lindenwood University, and her specialist degree in education from Northwest Missouri State University.
Keli and her husband, Clint, have two children, Lyla (11 years old) and Wes (9 years old). Clint is a social studies teacher at Washington High School.
Keli Schneider
Keli Schneider, first-grade teacher at Clearview Elementary, was named the School District of Washington and WINGS Teacher of the Year.
Keli Schneider is presented the teacher of the year award from WINGS representative Casey Zastrow and Clearview Elementary Principal Dr. Matt Busekrus.
