Recipient:  Brenda Anderson         

School: St. Ambrose

Number of Years Teaching: 8 years

Grade: 1

Brenda loves children.  She sees her grade ones as sponges.  They have energy and enthusiasm and cannot wait to learn.  Brenda gets a wonderful feeling inside when she sees her students who come to her as non readers beginning to read.  She takes as many courses as she can to make sure she provides the best lessons for her students to meet their learning potential.  Her goal is to be celebrating her students all the time!  She derives great personal satisfaction from teaching and just loves to embrace each child.  In a visit to her classroom one student said that Mrs. Anderson is the “bestest” teacher because “she loves all of us, all the time.”

Brenda, a parent from St. Ambrose nominated Brenda.  She wrote:

To strengthen parent and community involvement throughout the school year, Mrs. Anderson has held “Family Literacy Nights” where over one third of the school population has attended.  During these planned nights, families join in a variety of literacy activities with their children.  Many thanks to Mrs. Anderson for celebrating the role books play in our lives. 

In May, Mrs. Anderson put on the musical “Annie”.  She spent numerous hours writing the script herself.  She lets every student who wishes to participate, be a part of her musical.  Two years ago over 100 students from St. Ambrose participated. 

Mrs. Anderson is always available to talk to, she cares deeply for each and every student she makes contact with.  She demonstrates respect for all her students and clearly inspires them to exceed in everything they do.  She encourages children to believe in themselves and she recognizes the ability in every student while encouraging them to reach their maximum potential.  I wish that during my formative years in school, I would have had an outstanding education provider like Mrs. Anderson.