Outstanding Rural Elementary Teacher
Marcia Kessler
Launch the media gallery 1 playerA book written several years titled "All I Really Need to Know, I Learned in Kindergarten" was probably written with Marcia Kessler in mind. Mrs. Kessler, a teacher of many students has had a career in the field of education that spans 32 years. Her entire teaching career has been at the elementary level and has been in the King City Elementary School.
Marcia has been an mentor, a sounding board, a source of ideas and strategies, and an inspiration to her fellow teachers at King City. Her energy and enthusiasm is equal to that of a first year teacher. As each school year approaches she gets that glow about her and an extra bounce in her step that tells students, parents, and fellow employees that she can hardly wait for the start of school. Parents have been heard telling their children, "Mrs. Kessler was my Kindergarten Teacher. Listen to her, she is great."
Mrs. Kessler is known for her special ability to motivate every student to be the best they can be. It truly warms ones' heart to watch the interaction between her and her students. She is constantly modeling respect and acceptance of everyone. This is not limited to her classroom but to the rest of the staff as well. She involves the parents in their child's education.
One parent shares, as a parent, Mrs. Kessler strongly encourages our involvement in our child's classroom and after school activities. A few of the ways that she promotes this is through "Daddy Donut Day," "Mommy Munch Day," classroom parties, and hosting a family game night.
Marcia's devotion to her profession and life-long learning is made evident by her active involvement in the lives of not only her present students but also students that have moved into the higher grades. One former students shares that Mrs. Kessler is still very involved in all of our lives. She attends sporting events and makes a point to come over to the high school building and see what is going on in our lives. No matter if we would win or lose, she is there to support us in both sports and academics. The ultimate recognition is this years Senior Class request for Mrs. Kessler to be their commencement speaker.
It is said that "A teacher affects eternity; no one knows where their influence stops." Mrs. Kessler has left a lasting legacy on the King City school district and community through the children she has blessed on their educational journeys making it appropriate that we congratulate Marcia Kessler as Missouri's Outstanding Rural Elementary Teacher for 2008.