The 2016 Michigan District Early Childhood Educator of the year was awarded to Kelly Monroe at St. John Lutheran School in Fraser. Kelly has taught for 17 years in Lutheran Schools, the last 9 years in Fraser where she serves as Preschool Director and teacher. She is loved and respected not only by her students but by the parents and staff who have experienced her servant leadership and vision that heaven be full and hell empty on judgement day.
Kelly has become a community resource through her involvement with MOPS at St. John. She has assisted families new to St. John through organizing activities such as “Dads and Donuts” and “Moms and Muffins,” that allow them to meet other new parents and congregation members. She also helps them connect to the Lutheran School by building bridges between the early childhood education and Kindergarten.
Kelly shows her creativity through things like encouraging her students to decorate caterpillar-themed cupcakes to remind them of an Eric Carle story they read. She instituted and monitors the church bag program for young children at St. John and is a positive and encouraging mentor to young and old alike. Principal David Waltz says, “Mrs. Monroe’s commitment to the spiritual well-being and education of the total preschool child endears her to the parents and earns the respect of her colleagues. Kelly establishes an enriching relationship with parents and children, which allows her to provide counsel and encouragement to young families. She has allowed God to use her abilities in making an impact in lives while growing His kingdom at St. John. Her model of professionalism is exemplary for all teachers, especially in the early childhood level.”
We congratulate Kelly on this recognition and thank God for the many teachers around the state who daily share Jesus through a quality Lutheran Education.
Photo courtesy of St. John, Fraser
