Nominated by: Carter Rowland

Kristen and Melissa (K&M) are co-teachers in Hawken's combination Kindergarten/First Grade classroom. Our daughter Carter is finishing up her second year with this amazing teaching team as she had them in both K and 1. They are a powerful and compassionate duo that MUST be nominated together as a team. Kristen and Melissa are the teachers EVERY child deserves. And I know for certain the other parents in their classroom feel the same way. K&M are incredible educators - our daughter has learned to read and do early math with ease and enjoyment in her two years with them. They encourage learning in ways that fit each child individually. They inspire imagination and discovery. They build competence and confidence in each child. Our daughter loves school – she loves learning – and I attribute that to the special way in which K&M encourage growth in their classroom. What 6 or 7 year old counts down the days of spring break until she can go back to school?? Ours does! Beyond incredible educators, the thing that makes K&M so special is the way they SEE each child. They see each kid for WHO THEY ARE. They accept them for who they are, where they are and they build from there. That acceptance allows each child to learn and grow comfortably, not just academically but social emotionally as well. They truly care about our kids. Many nights I will get a text message from one of them asking how Carter is doing. “She wasn’t feeling great at school or she seemed off today. How is she tonight?” Or I can message them in the morning and say “Carter had a tough morning, she may need a hug when she gets to school.” And I know they will happily agree. They approach teaching with a compassion and joy that is not only evident but also seeps into our children. It has been incredible to watch. So often schools are forced to make kids fit into the way of the school. But K&M (with the leadership at Hawken School) do the opposite. They match the teaching to the child, match the method that best suits that child. And in doing so they create confident, kind, accepting and curious kids. Every day for the past two years I have dropped my daughter off to Kristen & Melissa and I know she is being taught well. But I also know she is being cared for, loved and appreciated, seen for who she is and encouraged to find those things for herself as well. Under their care, Carter has developed into a joyful, smart, goofy and inclusive kid. And best of all, she is comfortable being exactly who she is. I mean really, what more can a parent ask for? There are so many amazing teachers in the world and certainly in Ohio. But for as long as I live, I will be so grateful Kristen and Melissa were instrumental in Carter’s early years of learning. They have set a foundation for her that will carry her her whole life.