Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Hoverson, Schlough, Felhofer, Green, Warren. Leonhardt
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 2/02/2022
Two Greenwood Educators Honored as Teachers of Distinction (2021)
Greenwood Middle School special education teacher Kelsey Holverson is honored as a
Teacher of Distinction, shown here with Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry ambassadors Mike Warren and Kris Leonhardt. Submitted Photo
By Valorie Brecht
Greenwood School District educators Kelsey Hoverson and Amanda Schlough have been honored for their teaching talents. They were named Teachers of Distinction as part of the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (MACCI) Crystal Apple Awards program.
The MACCI accepts nominations from area school districts each year. Students are encouraged to nominate a great teacher. Parents and other teachers can also nominate someone. This year the MACCI had 1,528 nominations for 391 teachers in 10 area school districts. From there, teachers in each of the school districts used an anonymous online survey to vote for who from their district should be recognized, with MACCI tabulating the scores. Based on the survey results, MACCI selected the 25 teachers of Distinction and surprised them in their classrooms last week.
“I was surprised and honored. When I looked at the list of nominated teachers, there were so many qualified teachers. Here in Greenwood, I have so many hardworking and deserving colleagues. To be chosen out of such an outstanding group of educators was truly an honor,” said Hoverson, who teaches special education for grades seven through nine.
Hoverson began her journey to becoming an educator in high school when she volunteered with individuals with disabilities at her school. She then knew it was the career path she wanted to take. She graduated from UW-Eau Claire and received her degree in cross-categorical special education. She has been teaching since 2016.
This is Hoverson’s second year teaching in Greenwood. However, even though she hasn’t been here long, she quickly became a part of the school family, said district administrator and 7-12 grade principal Todd Felhofer.
“She’s done a super job of coming on board and finding ways to contribute outside of the classroom. She has an attitude of, ‘If you need a hand, I’m ready.’ She has a willingness to get involved and I think people resonate with that,” said Felhofer. “It feels like she’s been here with us for a longer period of time.”
Felhofer said that Hoverson was “highly organized” and “detail-oriented,” which are great traits to have as a special education teacher. He also said Hoverson spent a lot of time getting to know her students and their parents.
“She has really nice connections with her students, even those that don’t work with her directly. The kids recognize her as a person who will go to bat for them… She’s also shown her ability to work with kids who are, shall we say, not having their best day,” said Felhofer.
“It’s really well-deserved.”
For her part, Hoverson said receiving the award was an encouragement.
“It helps me remember that I am truly making an impact on the lives of the students, and just knowing that feels incredible. There are some days that teaching can feel like a thankless job; this is not one of them. It also reminds me of the great support I have in Greenwood: paraprofessionals, general education teachers, office staff, administration and my director of special education. Without all of these individuals, I would not be able to do my job,” she said.
She also shared her appreciation for the students she teaches.
“I enjoy the little moments with students: the ‘aha’ moments, the silly moments [and] the honest and truthful moments. When kids share their victories with me and want to share the important moments of their lives with me. I know they trust me. I am a big believer in establishing a safe and nurturing place where students can be themselves. These moments tell me I’m doing something right. I have great students, and they make every day an adventure.”
Amanda Schlough, Title I teacher of Greenwood Elementary, is shown here after being named a Teacher of Distinction and receiving an honorary gift. Pictured with Schlough are (left) elementary principal and director of teaching and learning Joe Green, and (to right) Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry ambassadors Mike Warren and Kris Leonhardt. Submitted photo.
In the elementary school, Schlough was the honoree. She is a Title I teacher for grades K-6. Title I is a federally funded program that provides extra academic support to students in the areas of reading and/or math.
Schlough too was surprised to be chosen as a Teacher of Distinction.
“We have so many amazing teachers at Greenwood Elementary that I was surprised and honored to be recognized among them,” she said. “It is uplifting to be recognized, to know that I am making a positive impact for my students and the community. I am proud of that work and inspired to continue to make a difference for my students and community.”
Elementary principal and director of teaching and learning Joe Green had positive thing to say about Schlough.
“Amanda is deserving of this recognition for her hard in improving our students’ reading skills. Amanda is our Title I reading teacher and has become a leader throughout the building in reading skill development and intervention,” he wrote.
Schlough is also involved in the greater school community outside the classroom. She organized the annual Color Run and assists with Kid’ Club.
“Amanda is just one of those staff members that you can count on to help with about anything that needs to be done,” said Green.
He said some of Schlough’s strengths include her “empathy for students and family situations,” “deep understanding of student needs” and “willingness to do what it takes to meet those needs.”
Hoverson and Schlough are now in the running for one of the four Crystal Apple Awards. The finalists will go through an interview process to determine the Crystal Apple winners, who will be announced March 2.
All Teachers of Distinction will be honored at a banquet May 4 at Hotel Marshfield.
