Karla Gates, Braymer C-4
Rural Middle School/Junior High Teacher
Launch the media gallery 1 playerOutstanding Rural Middle School Teacher
Karla Gates
Braymer C-4 School District
When you ask most students at Braymer to describe Karla Gates, they use such words as enjoy coming to her class, high expectations, good experiences, and caring attitude. Arriving early and staying late, giving of her own time to see to the success of students in her care. When one enters Mrs. Gates classroom, they are immediately aware of her positive attitude and love of her students. Mrs. Gates is certainly one of the most dedicated teachers that you will ever have a chance to meet.
How in her 17th year as a valued member of the Braymer faculty, Karla presently teaches 5th grade Communication Arts and Fifth through Eighth grade Science. Her enthusiasm, her innovativeness, and her genuine concern for education are exemplary. Her flexibility in working with students, teachers and the public has earned her an enviable reputation as an excellent- teacher-leader who truly cares about people. As a teacher leader, Karla has been instrumental in the Braymer district becoming a Professional Learning Community.
Students are encouraged daily through positive quotes and phrases. She is notorious for posting current photographs of her students participating at various school functions. Students see this and know that they are important. Since taking over as the Jr.High/Middle School Science teacher, the district has seen a 20% increase in students scoring proficient or advanced on the 8th grade MAP testing. For the past two years the district has been at the 80% and 76% mark in proficient or advanced on 8th grade MAP science scores. This is due to Karla’s dedication and commitment to teaching and students.
As a strong asset to the Braymer staff, Karla is always looking for ways to continue her growth professionally. She has spent time researching and attending workshops to stay current on best classroom practices. She is currently a team member of and an instructional leader of the districts Professional Learning Community making her an educator that other staff look to, for guidance.
Holding her students to high standards by continuously challenging them to solve problems and learn from their mistakes, her willingness to help any child succeed, as well as being an invaluable staff member, makes it appropriate to congratulate Karla Gates as Missouri’s Outstanding Rural Middle School Teacher for 2013.