Kista River
Position: Project Lead the Way Teacher
School: Montgomery County Middle School
School District: Montgomery County R-II District
City, State: Montgomery City, MO
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Kista River was nominated by her assistant superintendent, Della Bell-Freeman.
Mrs. River is a LifeChanger for two reasons:
- She inspires students to explore science and engineering topics and see themselves as learners, and;
- She builds positive relationships with students.
Mrs. River is a role model for solving problems with a STEM program. Students in her classes are given the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities and projects and experience the success and excitement that comes with solving real-world problems. This is transformative for students who have sometimes struggled with core academic classes.
"Many of these students see themselves as successful learners for the first time. This has the power to unlock a new and brighter future for students," Bell-Freeman said. "Mrs. River is also able to inspire girls to see themselves as future engineers, scientists, and inventors. Helping female students break through gender stereotypes is empowering and essential to our country's continued success as a leader in innovation and industry!"
In addition to having a passion for content that inspires students to continue down a science and engineering career path, Mrs. River has a purpose of serving, helping and giving to others.
"She readily builds relationships with students; however, one of her true gifts is connecting with challenging students. Where others see difficulty, Kista River sees opportunity. She is able to relate to and motivate students who are guarded and challenging," Bell-Freeman said. By getting to know these individual students as people, she builds trust and rapport that, in turn, creates a willingness to work for Mrs. River and reach both behavioral and academic goals."
"Our students and middle school are fortunate to have Mrs. River working to shape lives in a positive way. Mrs. River is a blessing, but if you would ask her about her role at Montgomery County Middle School, she would tell you that she is the one who is blessed, and all of her students are the blessings. Mrs. Kista River is a LifeChanger!" Bell-Freeman said.
She is the best teacher ever! She helps everyone and works 24/7 to help the students thrive through school
Kista River is a passionate, committed teacher. Quite simply and complexly, she lives and breathes and makes students’ lives better by always noticing them and building them up. She NEVER gives up on a student. Kista knows when and how to challenge each of her students; she knows when to be tough and when to coddle. She is steadfast and humble and a true nominee for this award. I’m honored to be her colleague and friend.
I have worked with Kista for the past 5 years. She is one of the most selfless people I have ever met. Kista will do anything in her power to help her students. She instills in them that they are important and they can do anything they put their mind to. PLTW gives them a chance to work hands-on with many different materials and mechanisms to show what they have learned. When students are in Kista’s classroom they want to learn and do their best because they know how much she cares about them. She is most deserving of this award!
Mrs. River is an amazing teacher and support person for all of her students. She shows each child respect and expects it in return while making each one feel special. You can catch her at most all school sporting events and is a cheerleader for her students even well after they've graduated. She is always giving knowledge, wisdom, food or a hug to a kid in need and deserves this honor.
Kista is a teacher that the students of Montgomery County strive to be like. Her caring heart and dedication to the students of Montgomery County is remarkable. She truly is a LifeChanger!
There is no one I know more deserving of this award. Kista is one of the most passionate and giving individuals I have ever met. She puts her heart into teaching and making sure her students have what they need in every way.
Kista has a heart for the students who are indifferent or neglectful in their learning, so much so that students are excited and anxiously await their turn to be in her class. Each student knows he or she is special to Mrs. River, if they have given up and quit trying in other classes, they come to life and apply themselves wholeheartedly once she has shown them their capabilities. Parents and others see the change in a student who is in her class. She inspires greatness in each student and somehow manages to make each one feel they are capable of greatness, and they welcome the tough challenges she presents to them. Nearly every one of her students will tell you her class is their favorite.
Mrs. River was on my team directly for two years and has worked with me in a smaller capacity through a academic lab type class situation since then. She volunteers to take the tough kids and works with them on life skills and school skills. This is no easy task but she never complains. She finds it her true calling and passion. She is doing what she was born to do.
I hit post when I wasn't done but in closing, she's a 24/7 teacher that goes above & beyond her classroom! !!
Mrs. RIVER takes to heart each individual child, she'll encourage them to their fullest potential & also share in their joys if success & accomplishments. Mrs. River continues to get letters from previous students telling her how she believed in them when no one else did, or how some of high school students will still pop in to give her updates on the new school year. Mrs River is more than a teacher, she is a friend to those who may not have any she us a adviser to those who may not have a adult to turn to, she will give you a pep talk to build confidence but also strict enough so they can't " just get by". Mrs. Rivers down fault, she consistently feels she's not DOING enough. Teaching for Mrs River is not a 8hr a day job , she is
Mrs. River is great with our students she really knows how to connect with them in all ways possible. She is always happy and laughing which makes every one have a great day or if your having a bad day she will brighten it up. The kids love her and respect her she really connects with them on there level. I really enjoy being in her class and working with her everyday.
Mrs. River you are a great role model and the biggest advocate for kids!!!
I have worked with Kista for eight years and I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of this award. Kista is the definition of a life changer for many of our students. She works tirelessly to build relationships with all of our students, but especially those that are difficult to reach due to the challenges they have faced in their lives. Kista is relentlessly dedicated to making sure that all kids know they matter and are loved and learning that lesson is more valuable than any content we could teach them. She gives of herself endlessly to ensure that our kids are getting the best! Keep up the great work, Kista!
As a family member, I watch Kista go through the highs and lows of giving everything she has to her students! Emotionally it can be very hard on her, but she never gives up on kids even when she knows the odds are against her. She gives so much of herself to do her job and so much more. Teaching is very important to her; but helping kids is her ultimate goal! They know that about her and trust her. We are very proud of her and know her school is proud, also. She truly is a life changer!
