Teacher of the Year a lifelong Ten Sleep local
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TEN SLEEP – Kodi Schwarz always aspired to be an excellent elementary school educator. Only four years into her dream career, she has already been recognized as such in her own hometown.
A kindergarten teacher at the Ten Sleep School, Schwarz was named Teacher of the Year at the May 11 Board meeting of Washakie County School District No. 2.
Schwarz grew up on a cattle ranch around 20 miles south of town, and graduated from Ten Sleep High School in 2012. In 2015, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Nebraska's Chadron State College, an institution that has been training teachers for more than 100 years. Schwarz, her husband, and their baby son live out on the ranch today.
Ten Sleep School Principal Levi Collins was enthusiastic about Schwarz. "Mrs. Schwarz is the kind of kindergarten teacher that every parent hopes is their child's teacher," Collins said. "She loves the kids, she is dedicated to their improvement and she communicates well with all stakeholders."
A letter from a parent included similar praise for Schwarz. "She is always upbeat and engaged," the letter read. "She is calm and kind and endlessly patient. She meets teaching standards in a way that is absolutely incredible to behold."
Collins said glowing words also came from one of Schwarz' fellow teachers. "Kodi is a dedicated teacher who always gives her best to the students," her colleague wrote. "She attends professional developments to improve her abilities and she is willing to help out her peers any time."
Schwarz said the award took her completely by surprise. Collins had asked her to prepare a presentation for the school board meeting on May 11, which was held with the Zoom internet conferencing software. He asked her to be sure she had her computer's camera turned on. Instead of letting Schwarz give her presentation, however, Collins told her that she had been selected Teacher of the Year.
"I was shocked," Schwarz said. "My husband was cracking up at how awkward I was! It was definitely not something that I saw coming."
In towns worldwide from Timbuktu to Ten Sleep, the COVID-19 crisis has shut down countless classrooms. Even kindergarten students have had to participate in classes over the internet. How has it been for Schwarz to teach the local youth by means of remote learning?
"It has been a bit of a learning curve for everyone," Schwarz said. "It takes a little more work on the parents' end for remote learning, because kindergarten kids aren't as independent. Thankfully, I have a really good group of kids and parents," she concluded.
Although it is quite early in her career, it is clear that Schwarz is already regarded highly by her community. "We are extremely grateful to have a teacher of her caliber at our school," Collins said.
