Kent Teacher of the year makes learning fun

Michelle Kelly’s room at Kent Elementary is a hub of activity.

Home to a split grade-level class of highly capable third- and fourth-graders there is constant activity around the room, with Kelly moving from group to group, helping the students focus on whatever project they are attacking this week (carnivorous plants, for example).

But on Wednesday at a small ceremony at the beginning of the school day, the focus was not on the kids, but on Kelly herself, as she was presented with the 2009 Kent School District Teacher of the Year Award.

“It was completely overwhelming,” said Kelly, a 17-year teacher who has taught the highly capable program for the past six years.

Kelly said she has a simple philosophy about teaching, a job she absolutely loves doing.

“I believe all students deserve high-quality teachers,” she said, adding, “Learning should be absolutely fun.”

And to talk to the 8-, 9- and 10-year-olds in her third and fourth grade classroom, Kelly is doing exactly that.

“She makes all the subjects and projects fun,” said Megan Birkel, 9.

“Even math she makes fun,” added Kevin Rhodes, 10.

Kelly grew up in Auburn and graduated from Auburn High School before attending Central Washington University and then Washington State University for her master’s degree. After college, Kelly took a job in Tri-Cities because she spoke Spanish and wanted to work with the children of migrant workers.

Kelly said she had an easy, happy childhood herself and felt the need to pass that on to others.

“I just feel I need to give something back to the world for that,” she said.

After coming back to Western Washington, Kelly said she wanted to work at a school with relatively high-needs and Kent Elementary fits the bill.

But in her classroom of highly capable students, it’s a different vibe than a standard classroom.

“They’re different in some ways and not in others,” she said. “They don’t need to spend time on basic skills.”

But ask the kids and they are eager to share their opinion of their teacher.

“She’s the best teacher ever,” said Paris Smith, 9.

“Two thumbs up!” said Sean Love, 8.

“She makes stuff challenging but in a fun way,” added Grant Staton, 9.

Aside from making everything fun, the kids say Kelly grabs their attention, teaching with games and other devices that almost trick them into learning.

“We don’t ever realize it’s that hard,” said Kailee Roldan, 9.

As for the award, they too are very proud.

“I could tell she was really excited,” said Smith, who was on hand when she got word of the award.

“It’s an honor for her. She’s a very good teacher,” said Ammara Touch, 10.

Even her principal sounds like one of the kids in describing Kelly.

“She’s highly dedicated to the profession and the children,” said principal Sherilyn Ulland. “She’s one of those teachers that’s always advocated for her children.”

But perhaps Max Fredell, 9, sums it up best.

“She deserves it for putting up with us!” he said, grinning.

As for Kelly, she is thrilled for the honor, but said she works with many other teachers who also deserve this honor.

“I teach with such good people in this district,” she said. “Were just a representative of so many others.”

And while the National Board-certified teacher may someday move out of the classroom and onto helping with education on a larger scale, such as perhaps a legislative role, for now she is not only content but happy to be in a room full of students.

“I think spending the day with children is the best anyone can hope for,” she said.