Student Nomination Story

Every day it was the same phrase: “Are you guys excited for chemistry today?” she would say with a smile as bright as the sun. I never was—but I liked the class. The first semester at Arrowhead High School I was a shy, silent scholar only answering questions when called on. I was okay at chemistry, but my motivation wasn’t there. Mrs. Koch tried her best to involve students who seemed to be struggling or not participating. Personally, I dislike being called on when my hand isn’t raised, but I guess she saw it as an opportunity to enhance my learning. After being sick for an entire week before finals, Mrs. Koch let me know that it’s okay if I turned some things in late and that I should take my time on the assignments that I missed to make sure it’s quality work. She’s always so cooperative and easygoing when it comes to school. I was at a B- with a test to make up and a final exam to take. The week went by and I had finished with a low A and I couldn’t believe it. I did good on the test and mediocre on the final, maybe those bonus points helped me get the A. She is always looking to improve the grades of her students. The next semester starts and I remember walking into a class that was about half the size of my last one. The bell rings and Mrs. Koch says, “Welcome to Honors Chemistry,” with a smile as bright as a light. In my head I remember thinking, This lady loves her job. When a teacher loves what they do, it’s a better learning environment for all. The new semester brought new people as my friends from the last class weren’t in it. I was a little dead inside and felt alone. Luckily for me, that classroom began to feel more comfortable. I began to show my more energetic, comical, and talkative personality. Was it the teacher that created this environment or did I change? I don’t know but what I do know is that Mrs. Koch isn’t going to shy away from opening up and being personable with her students. There was a huge group presentation and I hate public speaking. However for some reason when I went up there with my group to present, I felt like a different person—casually confident and expressing myself in a way I never thought I would as I taught the class about radiation. After the presentation and class was over, Mrs. Koch told me, “You know, Harrison, you should bring this side of you out more,” talking about my contagious personality. What she doesn’t realize is that I didn’t bring it out, she brought it out. She did this by making the classroom feel like home, by coming to work and enjoying what she does, and making students smile and excited to learn. Even though I’m not always raising my hand, or explaining why something happens scientifically, she still finds a way to make me enjoy the class.

Harrison Tomich

When I was deciding what teacher I wanted to ask to write my letter of recommendation for college, one person came to mind. The most kind, caring and compassionate person I’ve had the pleasure of meeting—Mrs. Koch. At the beginning of my junior year at Arrowhead Union High School, I was terrified. My anxiety was at an all time high and my once bubbly personality seemed to be fading further and further away. Not only did I feel lost; but, I also felt invisible. As I went through the motions of my first day of school, no one and nothing caught my attention until I walked into Mrs. Koch’s eighth hour chemistry class. Mrs. Koch not only is an amazing teacher, but more importantly, an amazing person. We clicked from the first day of school. She understood my sarcasm, and her witty comments brought a smile to my face. She knew how to joke with me, and how to get me out of a glum mood. During my junior year, my friends and I often found ourselves in a lot of drama. Some days when the drama was particularly bad, I would have nowhere to sit at lunch. Fifth hour everyday Mrs. Koch had her door wide open for me—it became a routine. Everyday I would grab my lunch from my locker and head to her room. She was always there to listen, no matter the situation. She would listen to my dumb boy drama, or stuff I had going on at home. Mrs. Koch knew I didn’t have my mom in my life, and without even realizing, she selflessly filled that void for me, allowing me to talk to her about anything and everything. Fifth hour quickly became my escape from school, and transformed into my favorite part of everyday. As the year progressed, my friends started to join me in Mrs. Koch’s room during lunch. It didn’t feel like talking to a teacher during fifth hour. What I admire most about Mrs. Koch is that she was an educator when she needed to be, but she was also able to feel like a friend when I needed her. In my experience, most of my teachers didn't take the time to connect with their students, and Mrs. Koch cared enough to—which is why everyone felt so heard by her. In addition to the relationship we created emotionally, she also pushed me to be a better student. I struggled staying focused, and Mrs. Koch adapted to my behavior, and allowed me to learn at my own pace, and was always there to offer me help on any assignment or any homework. She made me excited to learn, which was a feeling I hadn’t experienced. Like I said before, Mrs. Koch was the teacher I wanted to write my letter of recommendation. I like to believe I had an impact on her as well. She wrote things about me that I will remember for the rest of my life. In her letter of recommendation she wrote, “Hayley has consistently demonstrated the ability to lead with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to positive change…I have no doubt that she will continue to excel and achieve great success in all she pursues.” It seems easy for teachers to strictly just teach, which makes sense, that is their job. What makes Mrs. Koch stand out to me is that she took the extra step in making me feel heard, and there’s no better feeling than being noticed.

Hayley Winser

To see more exceptional teacher nominees, visit The Honor Roll.