We’re featuring some of the educators who were recognized with 2024 Excellence in Teaching Awards for making a significant impact on students’ academic growth.

Hailey Marthaler earned her Award for her work as a kindergarten teacher at Meeting Street – Brentwood.

Can you share an example of a success story you faced with a student and how it came to be?

I had a student who came to us having never been to school before. On the beginning of the year assessments, she scored in the 8th percentile. Through that student’s own hard work, targeted instruction and guided practice, this student was able to end the year scoring in the 81st percentile.

In what ways do you involve parents or guardians in the educational journey of your students?

Parents or “grown ups” as we call them are an integral part of our classroom and school community. We are partners in their students’ learning. To keep families engaged, I like to send as many pictures as I can to families, whether it is a simple snap of their student doing independent work or a smile on the playground. I also always make sure to get to know families at open house, the carpool line or during field trips. It’s important to maintain and create strong relationships with families because when a call home is not always positive, being able to have an open conservation is helpful in making sure their student is successful.

How has the Excellence in Teaching Awards made a difference in your life – personally and/or professionally?

The Excellence in Teaching Award is an amazing opportunity Meeting Street Schools has created. Knowing that I am going to be recognized for the hard work and dedication I show toward getting my students to meet their goals is very rewarding. It has made a difference in my professional life because it makes me not want to leave Meeting Street because I know I am valued and appreciated. In my personal life, it has improved my life greatly. I am now able to put money away for a house and it helped pay for my wedding.

What factors have contributed to your success in the classroom?

Success in the classroom comes from creating strong procedures. From the very first day, we are practicing and perfecting routines and procedures. This creates a strong and safe classroom community. Students thrive in what is safe and structured. Targeted instruction has also contributed to my success. Guided math is my jam! I love to dig into data to make sure students are receiving instruction that will make them grow.

Having a co-teacher is a life changer. My co-teachers have been partners in all my success throughout my time at Meeting Street. Having a teammate who is just as dedicated to student success is fantastic. You can rely on them to support you in lesson planning, execution and assessment of your lesson. They can count on you to do that in return.

How do you measure and assess the effectiveness of your teaching methods?

I assess my effectiveness by using check for understandings throughout my lessons. After we have covered a key point, I do a quick check whether it is through a whole class thumbs up or an agree symbol. This ensures my students understanding of the point and that I have 100 percent engagement. In kindergarten, the emphasis is students who are able to verbalize their thinking so my co teacher and I ask students to share their words in a whisper. Students love to share their learning in a fun playful way. I also like to examine my effectiveness through end of module assessments. It is helpful to look through data and student performances to inform me of further instruction.

What are some ways you build strong relationships with your students, and how do these relationships contribute to their academic success?

I love my students with all of my heart. They are the reason I do this work. Building a strong relationship with my students is critical to my success. Students learn best when they are learning from someone they respect and liked. I engage in conversations with them during moments of free time. Getting to know more of their personalities allows me gage in which way they will learn best. as well as including things they love into our classroom community. I love standing at the door every morning seeing the sweet smiles of my students ready to start the day. I give a hug or a handshake telling them “I am so glad you are here today.”

What specific strategies did you implement that led to such significant academic gains?

One specific thing I implemented into my teaching was including more talking in math. Having students discuss their learning makes it sticky. It helps to deepen and expand the key point given in the lesson. I watched my student’s math scores increase. It also helps to build up classroom community.