Theresa Brady was nominated by her principal, Tracy Shenuski.
What do you picture in your mind when you think of the phrase "My favorite teacher?" How about, "Impact Leader?" Or even, "Dedicated Professional?" At Lakeview Elementary, those phrases conjure up the image of Ms. Brady. She has served as the Literacy Coach for three years, and prior to that she worked as a first grade teacher. Her work as teacher has made an impact beyond the walls of her school. Her students have gone on to college and careers, raising families, and becoming outstanding citizens.
"If you ask them where this all started, I am sure they would say it all began in Ms. Brady's class," Shenuski said. "I am always astounded at the deep and long lasting relationships that Ms. Brady has established with her students and their families." Whether they are inviting her to their high school graduation, wedding or sending her newspaper articles with their acomplishments, her students keep in touch. They come back year after year to assist in volunteering at Lakeview events or supporting the school's needs through donations. Some of them work as a bookmark buddy to students in need of mentorship. "Ms. Brady may teach her students to read, but beyond that, she teaches that a life well lived begins in serving those in need. She simply makes the community a better place because of her 'Human Influence," Shenuski said.
Ms. Brady comes to work every day, eager to make a difference. She has developed programs to help close achievement gaps in reading. She also teaches foundational skills and finds ways to enrich the learning of high performers. Through her efforts, her students thrive academically, and more importantly, they love coming to school. Her work this year alone with third grade students reduced mandatory retention levels by a significant percentage. In fact, 130 of 133 tested students were eligible for fourth grade because of her work.
Professionally, she works with several other reading coaches as both a colleague and mentor. She has been asked to share her ideas and successes across the district and others are constantly asking her what she does to make such a positive impact on her students' performance. "Deep down, she will tell you that her impact is not born of skill, but rather comes from the heart," Shenuski said. "She keeps the focus on the student and their health and well-being as a person at the forefront of her decision making." This approach creates a long-lasting relationship built on trust and faith in one another.
Just the other evening, Shenuski tried to take Ms. Brady to dinner for a well-deserved treat for all of her hard work. She respectfully declined, because one of her former students asked her to attend an event with her family. She sat with the student's parents, and watched the student turn in her crown and help crown the incoming Miss Silver Spurs. "If you asked the student or her parents, they would tell you that Ms. Brady was instrumental in helping her develop her interest in horses and become a confident and competent learner," Shenuski said. "There are many more stories like this in Ms. Brady's lifetime as an educator. She is, after all, truly a LifeChanger!"
Ms. Brady is the literacy coach at the school that I am currently the math and science coach at. She is an amazing partner, who is always supportive and helpful. She works with small groups of students, whether they need enrichment or interventions, as well as other educators to support them in their teaching career. She works so hard to make sure that students and peers are working to their highest potential. I am so happy that she has been nominated as a life changer, as she truly changes lives here at Lakeview Elementary!
I have had the honor of working with Ms. Brady for several years and have seen her dedication as a teacher, and as a literacy coach. No matter what her role, she exudes compassion, patience, and support for the education of students. Her passion for what she does shines through each and every day.
Ms. Brady has been a wonderful help to me! She always has time to listen and help out. She not only has great ideas, she will also come into my room and model the lesson! You can tell that she really loves helping kids. We are all lucky to have her here at Lakeview!
I have had the pleasure to teach with Ms. Brady. She truly sees the best in every student and conveys that to each one. She was an outstanding classroom teacher and now as a Reading Coach she offers her expertise to the entire school. Her encouraging spirit and warmth inspires students and teachers to be life changers. Ms. Brady planned and hosted our school's family Reading Night. That night was one of the most attended events in our school's history. She collaborated with Business Partners in the Community, the faculty and staff, and the parents to convey the importance of working together to be "Life Changers" for students.The joy on students' and families' faces that night was truly a "Kodak Moment" for all. She shines every day at school as she strives to make every day a life changers for students.
I have had the honor of knowing Ms. Brady for over 20 years. We met in our Intro to Ed class at the local college and it was obvious that her passion in life is to teach and inspire others. Throughout the years I have witnessed numerous times when Theresa has been instrumental in the education and personal lives of children in her charge. She is my colleague, my friend, and an example of selfless service to others...a real life changer.
Ms. Brady has been such an inspiration to all students and her collegues. She is always digging deeper to find ways to implement foundational reading skills to help every student become a better reader. I have been personally motivated by her in my own profession. She always goes above and beyond to make sure that students develop the love for reading. Ms. Brady has been a blessing in my life as an educator. She has a way of developing a special bond with students. collegues, and parents at Lakeview.
Ms. Brady is a gentle spirit with a powerful impact on students and staff as well. In my thirteen years of teaching at Lakeview, I have seen her bring out the best in others and allow them to lose sight of their insecurities in order to reach their highest potential.
Ms. Brady is a beautiful soul and amazing educator. She works tirelessly, with a smile on her face, to ensure that all students at our school are successful and confident. She is an innovator and a problem solver who is always thinking of a better way to get the job done. We are so lucky to have her!
Lifechanger! That is definitely a word that I can use to describe Ms. Brady. She is the reason that my first grade daughter loves to read! Last year, in kindergarten, my daughter was in Ms. Brady's reading group. She would come home so excited to tell me all about the things she was learning during her reading group time. She also couldn't wait to get to her reading group to share her own stories and experiences with Ms. Brady and her friends. Ms. Brady made my daughter feel so important! She listened to her helped build confidence in herself and her reading ability. At the end of the school year, she gave my daughter giant red teddy bear to practice reading to over the summer. My daughter was absolutely thrilled and she still reads to that bear! Ms. Brady doesn't just build vocabulary within students, she builds relationships. She believes in kids. She still pops in and checks on my child. Thank you Theresa for making the world a better place one child at a time!
Theresa Brady is a very hard working person who is dedicated! No matter who it is, a student, a teacher, or a parent she is always smiling and willing to help in any way she can. I am amazed with the love and compassion she has for each and every student and her co-workers. Theresa has a plethora of knowledge to share with the students and staff she works with as well as the parents. She is always going above and beyond to help those that need it.. In her eyes every child is loved and every child has the ability to learn no matter what challenges they may have. Theresa makes a difference in those she touches and it is seen from past and present students and staff. I am so grateful to work with someone with her passion and love for kids and peers.
Theresa Brady is a dedicated, compassionate, and inspiring educator. The students, families, and staff she serves truly benefit from working with her. She puts her heart into all that she does and conducts herself in a professional, caring manner. Theresa recognizes students' learning potential and makes student success a priority. She is quick to encourage students for their accomplishments and celebrate their achievements. As the literacy coach, Theresa, is always willing to "go the extra distance" to meet the needs of the various students and teachers. Not only has she made a significant impact at Lakeview Elementary, she has also impacted others within the district by sharing her expertise and knowledge in literacy by leading professional development opportunities. Theresa's commitment and positive influence in the field of education is remarkable.
Ms. Brady inspires me daily because she begins all from her heart. She demonstrates through her words and actions that her focus is on the learning and growth of all to become the best versions of themselves.
I had the privilege to be with her when a parent came to thank her a couple of weeks ago for her dedication to her child's learning and her belief that he would achieve. She truly makes a difference not only in their today but their tomorrow as well.
As the leader for Teaching and Learning in my school district, I have had the opportunity to observe amazing educators. To put it plainly, Ms. Brady stands among the best of the best. In the classroom, she is the children's tour guide through the adventure of learning. For her colleagues, she is a shining example of wisdom, expertise, and true leadership. For me, Ms. brady serves as a reminder of why we do what we do every day.
Teresa Brady is an amazing professional educator, dedicated to supporting growth in the literacy skills of all of the students at Lakeview Elenentary but also committed to helping her colleagues within the school and across the district grow as well. Teresa's impact on our community is immeasurable!
I'm so proud of my aunt. She has always been an amazing woman with such a big heart. With all my love Congratulations.
I have known Ms.Brady for 30+ years she has been an inspiration for my two children and my wife and I. Ms. Brady has always been very dedicated in every thing she has been involved with. Ms Brady truly is a life changer. Well-deserved Ms. Brady
Congratulations, Theresa on the nomination. I can't think of a more deserving teacher. Your dedication to your students as well as their parents is something that you just do. You care about the students in your class room and all the students that have moved up to the next grade. You remember them and they remember you as one of their favorite. Congratulations
Ms. Brady,
You truly are a life changer! As the mother of the former Miss Silver Spurs whose life you changed those many years ago, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!! We appreciate all that you did to change Maddie's life and all that you continue to do to change the lives of so many others. You are a treasure to all that come in contact with you. You are simply the best!! We love you!
The Munns Family
I knew her when she was working to become a teacher. She worked with my students and was so dedicated to their success.
