Position: Sixth Grade Social Studies Teacher
School: Mason Creek Middle School
School District: Douglas County School System
City, State: Winston, GA
Ryan Kruzinski was nominated by Susan Morehouse, the grandparent of a student.
Mr. Kruzinski, also known as "Mr. K," loves each and every one of his students. He goes the extra mile to ensure his students know he cares about each and every one of them. At the end of the year, Mr. K told the kids it was his honor to be their teacher as tears ran down his face.
"I have a special ed student who is very shy," said Morehouse. "She talks so softly that it's hard to hear her. Mr. K seated her up front near his desk to keep a eye on her. My child felt safe and secure in his class every day. She never wanted to miss his class. She worked hard in his class. At times, she didn't get the material, so he took the time to make a guide and edit it so she could understand the material. Of course, social studies is her favorite subject, but Mr. K kept the class interesting for all the students."
For most of his career, Mr. K has taught students in eighth grade and above. This was his first year teaching sixth grade. Mr. K teaches supportive instruction, general ed, and advance ed students in his class. He takes the time to tailor the assignment to meet each child's level of learning. He never gets upset with the kids. Instead, he remains calm and cool all the time. At the beginning of the year, however, he let the students know he would not tolerate bullying in his class.
Mr. K has such a good relationship with his kids that he knows what each child likes. He'll leave individual candies on their desk as a reward for doing a good job in school. At holidays, if a student gives him a gift, he'll write a handwritten thank you card to that child.
"Never in my life have I seen a teacher who truly cares for all of his kids the way Mr. K does," said Morehouse. "I have to admit, when I first met him at Sneak-a-Peak and saw this really tall, big man that was going to be my sixth grader's teacher, my first thought was, 'Oh no.' Well, I was proven wrong. He was exactly the teacher she needed as she transitioned into middle school. Mr. K will always hold a special place in my granddaughter's heart, as well as mine."