Superintendents Message:Project Exellence

Patrick Dubbs
Superintendent
Wayne Local Schools
Superintendent’s Message
March 24, 2011

Pat Dubbs, Superintendent

“True excellence comes from caring about your students no matter what their story or where they come from.” Krista Muterspaw

Completing her 20th year of teaching our March Profile of Excellence is 1st grade teacher Mrs. Krista Muterspaw. “A life-long learner with a continual thirst for new knowledge, strategies and research-based practices” is how Miss Jean Hartman, Waynesville Elementary Principal describes Mrs. Muterspaw. She was a 2004 Project Excellence honoree, and currently serves on the Faculty Advisory Council and the Superintendent’s Advisory Council. Krista is the chair of our Elementary Literacy Team, which supports activities such as Right-2-Read Week, Fall/Spring Reading Incentive, Spring Book Swap, and planning for author/children’s illustrator visits. As a literacy specialist she has spearheaded our Daily5/Café model in the early grades, which has positively impacted student achievement in reading fluency and comprehension. Throughout her teaching career, Mrs. Muterspaw has trained, coached, developed, and worked with student teachers, student observers, and our own district staff. Krista has taken on the challenge of having an inclusive classroom, partnering with our team of intervention specialists to provide an environment which enables each student to grow, learn, feel worthy, and become successful in all areas. She is enthusiastic and exudes great joy, warmth, and compassion. She has actively connected with parents and the community to recruit parent volunteers, who provide additional support for her students.

When asked what excellence means to Mrs. Muterspaw, she responded: “Some would say that the definition of excellence is the willingness to go above and beyond the standard job description. An “excellent” teacher might be someone who keeps up with the latest research in his or her area and spends a great deal of time in and out of the classroom planning for and providing high quality classroom instruction. Some might also say that the excellent teacher is organized, efficient and holds high expectations for his or her students. While I believe that these are all contributing factors, true excellence comes from caring about your students no matter what their story or where they come from. As teachers we MUST respect our students as human beings. If a student knows that you care about them, they will learn. There is nothing more gratifying than having a parent say, “My son/daughter loves coming to your classroom every day.” That’s how I measure my success as a teacher. I am frequently visited by former students who share memories about the time they spent as a student in my classroom. Often I have little or no recollection of these memories that are still vivid for them. We must always be mindful of how our actions and words impact our students. Our influence as teachers carries far beyond the short time our students are with us, perhaps for the rest of their lives. Years ago a wise person told me, “Your students may not remember what you taught them, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” This may seem more like a simple philosophy than a recipe for excellence. However, when your students come to school each day knowing that they are loved, respected and safe, there is little doubt they will develop an eagerness for learning, thereby ensuring that the hours invested in research, organizing and planning results in high achievement, student success and ultimately, a life-long love of learning.”

The Profile of Excellence is a profile of a district staff member, alumni or student who is committed to excellence and notable accomplishments.

It is time again to spotlight the individual who truly furthers the aims and pillars of Wayne Local Schools by going “beyond the call of duty” not merely settling for the ordinary.

When asked what excellence meant to them this is what our recipient said “True excellence comes from caring about your students no matter what their story or where they come from.” To read more and find out whom our profile is on click here. Profile of Excellence

Pat Dubbs, Superintendent