Position: Third Grade Teacher
School: Kennedy Elementary School
School District: USD 353 - Wellington Public Schools
City, State: Wellington, KS
Maggie Fink was nominated by her colleagues, Deb Starkey and Chelsi Sturm. The following profile contains text from both nominations.
Ms. Fink is a fantastic first year teacher! She comes up with different activities to challenge her students and keep them entertained. She stays late, works hard and makes sure her students have everything they need. Ms. Fink is determined to make a difference for students, and she lets them know she loves and cares about them.
Kennedy Elementary is a low-income school with many students in need. Most are on free lunches and are being raised by grandparents or single parents. This did not scare Ms. Fink at all. She was ready for these challenges on day one.
"I have gotten to know Maggie over the past couple of months and she is someone who is in it for the outcome," said Sturm. "She is someone who other teachers can come to and get help. She goes above and beyond for her school, and it shows."
"I am the school library clerk and have been at this school for 24 years. I have never observed a more dedicated, spunky, loving, determined young lady than Maggie Fink," said Starkey. "From day one, I could tell she was going to make a difference at our school...She is so patient and kind with every student. She is calm and witty, which helps with students' behavior. Maggie also has new, fun seating in her classroom for the fidgeting, and her lights have been muted by soft blue covers...It is obvious that she was born to do this! She may be a new teacher, but she has veteran blood running through her veins!"