LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Emily Iredale

Position: Second Grade Teacher
School: Charlestown Elementary School
School District: Chariho Regional School District
City, State: Charlestown, RI

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Music that Describes Emily


Emily Iredale was nominated by her colleague, Mikel Pryor-Raposa.

"Emily is a LifeChanger.  She not only changes the lives of students, but of everyone who knows her," said Pryor-Raposa. "Emily was my student teacher many years ago.  I have watched her grow as an educator and as a person. Boy, did we have some laughs when she was a student teacher.  She tried anything to motivate the students.  She was silly sometimes, while still commanding respect.  Her mind was always working to meet the needs of each and every student, and that hasn't changed."

Since then, she has grown in even more ways. Ms. Iredale is a natural teacher who wants to continue to learn and try new things.  She never stops.  She works long hours.  Her room is beautiful. It doesn't look like a typical classroom, but like a cozy home. She has beautiful alternative seating for her students.  The students look so comfortable in the room as they gaze at her teaching. Who wouldn't love to be in a colorful room decorated with Pete the Cat?

In addition, Ms. Iredale is supportive of all teachers. She has helped every teacher in her school move forward with technology.  She takes time out of her busy day to answer questions and help others. Ms. Iredale is so motivating that after watching her teach, many colleagues have followed her lead in buying tools she uses in her classroom. She runs professional development for her entire district, and she's always on top of the latest and greatest.

"As a person, Emily is generous with her time and resources," said Pryor-Raposa. "I often observe her making lunch for other teachers who are struggling and entire meals for families in need. These meals are life-changing for many."

"Where would I be without Emily? I would be lost with Flip Grid and Google Classroom," said Pryor-Raposa. "My students wouldn't be able to hear me because I wouldn't have the perfect speaker system.  My computer would be on a table instead of a cart.  My slides would be boring and not interactive, and...I would be a little more hungry.  I am beyond proud to nominate this amazing teacher."

Comments (20)

Heidi Pirotte Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Iredale has been an amazing teacher to both of our children and is beyond deserving of this honor. She is so wonderful at interacting and connecting with the kids on a more personal level (even through this remote learning craziness!) and has such patience with them. There have been times when we've had issues with assignments or focusing and she is so quick to communicate with us to resolve any issues and that has been a huge relief for us. Our kids both love her and look forward to seeing her - and hopefully once this pandemic is behind us we can get back to seeing her bright smile too! :-)

Patty Posted over a year ago

Emily has a contagious, positive and tireless energy! Her classroom is as inviting as her personality. The students are happy and excited to learn when they walk through her doorway. Virtual and in person learners continue to excel with Emily as their teacher! Congratulations,you are an inspiration.??

Mark Iredale Posted over a year ago

Blood, sweat and tears. We all know the famous cliche. While I might have missed any injury, I can attest to the others. I also have witnessed the smiles, compassion, the countless hours, and the pure joy that Emily puts into her students. I get to live vicariously through Emily's success. I am proud of Emily and the difference that she makes. Emily puts her students first and foremost. She should never forget the impact that she has on so many!

Jenny Parker Posted over a year ago

I couldn't think of a better recipient for this honor!

Maija Hill Posted over a year ago

From K to now 3rd grade, Mrs. Iredale’s care, knowledge and support has been in both mine and my child’s life at CES. In our first, trying year at CES, she supported my child mentally AND emotionally as well as provided much needed holiday support. Last School year, when thrust into distance learning, she provided Priceless daily support and encouragement to both myself and my son. Her guidance and willingness to help both on and off screen, were the reason we were successful in our transition as well as guiding me to prepare for the next calendar year. To say she has been our rock, is NOT enough! While she is not my son’s teacher this year, she continues to provide the much needed support I have grown to rely and trust in. Her ability to make us feel as if we are her #1 priority, is nothing short of HEROIC!

Amber Alston Posted over a year ago

YOUR AMAZING MY FRIEND!You deserve all the recognition in the world. You are making such a hard and stressful time for your students to as exciting and interactive as possible. :)

maureen major Posted over a year ago

Emily is a great person to work with and inspires us ! She puts heart and soul into her students and her work!

Matthew Larlham Posted over a year ago

Congratulations Emily, This does not surprise me at the least!! ?? I appreciate everything you do and will do, for my sons and the entire second grade for 2020-2021

Lisa M McCabe Posted over a year ago

I can't think of a more deserving teacher. We really got to know Mrs. Iredale when our daughter had her as a kindergarten teacher. While the transition to a new school was difficult for our daughter and she really had a bit of a hard time, Mrs. Iredale never gave up on her. She committed to understanding her and helping her learn and grow. She made herself available even after my daughter moved on to first grade. Sometimes during a particularly hard day she just needed a hug and she knew where to go get it. Then we were blessed when Mrs. Iredale moved to second grade and my daughter got to have her again. Now as a third grader, Mrs. Iredale still checks in on her and is there for her if she needs her. Mrs. Iredale goes the extra mile and will always make herself available if you need her. She makes sure her students always have what they need to succeed and will always be my daughter's teacher even though my daughter is no longer in her class.

Ann Marie Louzon Posted over a year ago

Emily, I can't think of anyone more deserving of this honor than you. You are always trying new things with your students. You are willing to teach colleagues new technology or share your ideas with them. You challenge yourself and your students to have a growth mindset. You continuously go above and beyond for students, families, and colleagues. I am a better teacher because of the support you have provided to me throughout this pandemic. You truly are a gift to Charlestown School.

Becky Posted over a year ago

Emily is am amazing parent, teacher, colleague, and friend. She will be your biggest cheerleader when you need it the most! She is tech savvy, an amazing artist, and health conscious. Everything she does is well thought out and meaningful! I am so happy for you!

Britney Posted over a year ago

You know there is not another teacher I look up to and steal ideas or bounce ideas off of like you! You deserve this my dear!

Jennifer Poore Posted over a year ago

Emily, You’re an amazing educator! I’ve watched you transition to new grade levels and initiatives, such as your brag tags that students can earn in your classroom. I’m so impressed with how you quickly transitioned and embraced Distance Learning last Spring. You became a leader and a pioneer with different instructional tools and techniques and shared your craft with students and colleagues. This year, you continue to excel and never seem to stop trying new things. I know that the last year has been the most challenging in your career! Thank you for continuing to strive towards making this the best learning experience for all students!

Jessica Posted over a year ago

Mrs Iredale made distance learning last spring seamless. During such a hard time for all she rose above and made the distance learning days very interactive and easy to navigate. She was always available for help. Truly such a great teacher, my son was very lucky to have her!

Lindsey White Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Iredale was absolutely amazing not only for my daughter last year but she was also so incredibly kind and supportive to when distance learning felt like more than I could handle. I would not have survived without her! Thank you Mrs. Iredale!

Maddie Rousseau Posted over a year ago

“Mrs Iredale has been my favorite teacher ever. She is so nice and she taught me a lot. I’m so glad I had her. I miss her so much!!” -Bentley Cook (Gr 4) -Bentley had Mrs. Iredale for Kindegarten and he is now in 4th grade and he still talks about her. She really impacted him his very first year of school and I am so very thankful for that. No one deserves this more.

Linda Iredale Posted over a year ago

Congratulations Emily, You certainly are well deserving of this nomination. I have seen all that you do for your class. You are constantly working to make a bad situation better. Any child would be blessed to be in your class. Wishing you so much luck.

Kim Allen Posted over a year ago

Thank you for all you do Emily. It does not go unnoticed.

Dot Zullo Posted over a year ago

Emily is so very caring and so very amazing

Erica Auster Posted over a year ago

Emily is an awesome teacher!!! She deserves this and more!!!