Christopher Willey was nominated by his principal, Shilpa Davé.
Mr. Willey is a fourth grade teacher who truly cares about each and every child in his classroom. He gets to know his students so well that he can easily identify their strengths, areas to improve upon, interests, and motivations. He can identify students who may need a different style of teaching to learn at their fullest potential. Mr. Willey creates a family within his classroom that is well known as Rockin' Room 11. Students in his classroom are treated with the highest level of respect, establishing a culture of mutual trust among all. One student even wrote a letter to him last year that stated, "I never really liked to learn, but you made it fun and made it so I could understand."
Dr. Davé describes Mr. Willey with the following quote: "Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions." Mr. Willey is a natural leader at Horace Mann Elementary School and within the school district. Whether he's serving on the district science curriculum writing committee, developing the character education plan for the school, or mentoring new teachers, Mr. Willey leads by example. He helps develop practices that are meaningful, effective, and realistic for teachers to use in supporting student learning.
"Mr. Willey consistently has a positive attitude and will never say no to a colleague in need, or even one who just asks questions," Dr. Davé said. "He models the concept of sharing the best practices, which has helped create a more cohesive and collaborative faculty within the building. Mr. Willey even exercises at school and runs through the neighborhood, which continues to promote the concept of overall health and well-being to the students!"
Dr. Davé uses the following quote from Martin Luther King, Jr to describe Mr. Willey's devotion: "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education." Mr. Willey helped develop the Eagle Eye program in his school, in which students are celebrated for actions that highlight respect, responsibility, and citizenship. He also helped develop the student pledge that is spoken each morning by the staff and students.
"He helps students grow their intelligence upon a solid foundation of character," Dr. Davé said.
Mr. Willey promotes critical thinking skills in the classroom, using practices such as reciprocal teaching, socratic seminar, and close reading, to help engage students in high order thinking and learning.
"Mr. Willey has beautifully woven together the work of teaching character and content in ways that integrate the crucial skills of critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication," Dr. Davé said. "He is a born leader, educator, friend, and colleague to those around him. His positive attitude and willingness to support a team to greatness is unparalleled. He is a true asset to Horace Mann Elementary School."
My son had another teacher for 4th grade and she was amazing, so I was a bit disappointed not to get her in the beginning.....I have to say, though, that I have been very pleased and Mr.Willey is amazing as well! I could tell from day one that he loved his job and he made learning fun. I am a teacher as well, and these two things are more important to me than almost anything. Congrats on this nomination Mr.Willey!
I am so thrilled to hear about your nomination Mr. Willey! As a new parent to HM, you came highly recommended, not only by fellow teachers but more importantly, by parents. Jayden loves being in your class and feels right at home. Not only do you teach our children classroom curriculum, but life skills as well. You give them life tools and how to use them. Let's not forget the awesome 80's playlist you teach our children!! Thank you for truly making our children feel like ROCKSTARS!! I support this nomination 100%!
I was very lucky to have had Mr. Willey as my teacher! He taught me so many new things in a very fun way. Our classroom was really cool! Mr. Willey always came up with great strategies to remember things that I still use now in middle school. We did a lot of partner work in our classroom that helped me make many new friends. Mr. Willey really helped me with my writing skills too. Mr. Willey is a funny, friendly and very kind teacher and deserves to be nominated and win this award!
I am blessed to have so many wonderful people around me. Thank you all for your well thought out and kind remarks. I have the best job in the world, because I get to spend each day with such amazing colleagues, parents and especially children.
I guess I’ll keep being nice to everyone. ;)
As a first year teacher, I am fortunate to have Mr. Willey assigned as my mentor. Within the short time knowing him, he has already had a significant impact on my life. I have noticed that this is a common trend. He has the natural ability to connect to and influence anyone he encounters. Throughout the halls, you cannot help but hear his name because of the impact he has on everyone around him on a daily basis. His renowned Rockin Room 11 is a place where all students are accepted for their individuality and are motivated to prosper. He has created a culture in his classroom that allows students to truly enjoy learning. Mr. Willey's enthusiasm and witty humor make him a true entertainer. Each day, I see his students eagerly lining up outside his classroom and I can only think of how much I would have enjoyed having him as a teacher.
Mr. Willey's students are rock stars in their class room and he knows how roll out the red carpet for them .
I like that he has a good attitude and makes sure his students, also do.
Mr. Willey is a compassionate and nurturing educator who entertains as much as he educates. His classroom is constantly filled with energy while active learners are fully engaged in his captivating lessons. I am fortunate to have worked with Mr. Willey and have been inspired by his calm nature. His collegiality and professionalism are unmatched and make him an asset to a school. Mr. Willey has shaped the lives of his former students, and he will undoubtedly continue to foster respect, integrity, and the love of learning for many years to come. Bravo, Mr. Willey!!!
Mr. Willey is a great teacher, person, mentor, and friend. Although I have only known him for a short period of time, he has impacted my career already. His enthusiasm is contagious and his dedication is inspiring. Mr. Willey always makes sure to go that extra mile for his students. He checks in with them daily for not only academics, but for their lives and emotions as well. He makes sure to get to know each individual student on a personal level and uses that personal knowledge to better personalize their education. He makes learning fun for everyone, staff included. His smile can brighten up a whole day and a whole classroom. He allows students to take control of their own learning. Mr. Willey is an all around great guy!
Mr. Willey is a wonderful teacher who inspires the kids everyday to be excited about learning. He truly cares about his students and finds away to always make learning fun. My daughter Caroline had Mr. Willey four years ago and still goes back to see him at Horace Mann school every chance she gets.
Kara Perry
Mr. Willey's positive attitude, sense of humor, and energy are welcomed at our staff meetings and events. He is always willing to help and gives compliments to strengthen both staff and student relationships. His students are excited to learn and look forward to what is happening in his classroom. Mr. Willey is a great person to have on our staff - congrats!!
This is a wonderful nomination for a wonderful teacher. My son had the pleasure of having Mr. Willey as his fourth grade teacher at Horace Mann. I can honestly say it was my son's favorite (and most productive) year of school in his young academic career. Mr. Willey stepped out of the box when it came to teaching and connecting with the children. He was able to get through to my son and make him understand that it is OK to be an individual, and that learning can truly be fun. This was the first year my son didn't complain or dread going to school each day. Mr. Willey managed to get my son to actually enjoy school and have fun learning. We cannot thank Mr. Willey enough for the great experience he provided our son.
His Poet's Tea idea and execution was amazing. I never saw so many fourth graders willing to stand in front of a class (full of peers and parents) and present poetry. The atmosphere was perfectly set from the table cloths to the lighting...it was a field trip experience without ever leaving the classroom. Horace Mann is very lucky to have a teacher like Mr. Willey who is willing to put in the extra effort and time to do things a little different all for the benefit of teaching the children.
Congratulations on the nomination,Willey. Always a blast working with you. Keep on Rockin’
Mr. Willey is a spirited and caring teacher. I was blessed to work with him in his classroom for 1/2 of last school year. He is a lively and engaging teacher; he also adds enthusiasm to our faculty. I enjoy seeing Chris in the hallways and know that I can always go to him for a good idea, a hearty laugh or some supportive words. Go, Mr. Willey!
Hands down hysterical!! I am sure it’s never a dull moment in his class. So creative we miss him at Paine
Mr.Willey is the type of person everyone knows. He has taken the time to know everyone in the building and develop some type of relationship with them. The Eagle Eye program is a program all of the students love and really helps the students concentrate on those aspects. Mr.Willey is a wonderful colleague to have and I am lucky to be able to teach in the same school as him.
My daughter had Mr Willey for 2 consecutive years and apart from the studies, he had taught some of the most important lessons in life-he taught the importance of discipline and hard work. He is such a positive influence to all kids and having him at Mann School is such a blessing to all of us!
Chris has always truly found rewards being helpful to others. From musical endeavors through multiple sporting activities, he has been eager to share knowledge, talents and gifts with everyone--especially young people and students. While my comments should be viewed as those of a proud parent, they are no less accurate. We, and his extended group of family and friends are very proud of his nomination. We congratulate all those nominated!
My twin boys had the pleasure of Mr Willey being they're teacher last year.
I couldn't help but being impressed by his teaching style as well as mature interaction with all of his students
This is an honor very well deserved
We have had the pleasure of having Mr. Willey twice - once for my older daughter and now for my younger daughter. When my older daughter started Mr. Willey's class she was shy and quiet and unsure of herself. By the time she left Mr. Willey's class, she was more confident and self-assured and more outgoing. Even when she struggled from time to time the following year with certain assignments, Mr. Willey was willing to step in and help in any way he could - whether that be talking to me, offering insight to her teacher, or showing support directly to my daughter, even though she was no longer his student.
Now my youngest daughter has Mr. Willey. She comes home every single day with a story about class - how fun it is, how much she learned. Yesterday she told me that Mr. Willey created "friend groups" within the class. The groups are not necessarily the children that are a child's regular group of friends; they are different groups of children that encourage all the kids to play together, get to know each other, and include everyone.
Mr. Willey is always positive, always upbeat and always brings his best self to the classroom. He makes kids enjoy learning and want to work hard. Simply put, Mr. Willey is one of the best teachers my children have ever had!
Mr. Willey’s lessons are never over-planned; in fact, his ability to allow the learning to flow in a student-driven direction produces an authenticity and genuineness that nine and 10-year olds are drawn to. What I’ve learned the most from my grade-level partner is to provide as many opportunities during the academic day to allow students to collaborate and participate with one another. Chris will often remind me, “If you’re more tired than your students at the end of the day, something went wrong!” Mr. Will continuously finds numerous opportunities for students to work in groups that truly fosters life-long team-building skills which produce respectful and responsible citizens :).
Mr. Willey creates a learning environment where students grapple with real life questions while supporting each other to improve their critical thinking skills. As a reflective practitioner, he is always improving his skill set to reach each and every child. As a former co-teacher with him, I enjoyed working alongside him each and every day. He is a true collaborator, listening to others while sharing his perspective in a trusting way.
