Tonya Bond

I am writing to enthusiastically nominate Ms. Tonya Bond for the Teacher of the Year award. Ms. Bond has consistently gone above and beyond in her dedication to her students, creating an environment that fosters both gentle academic learning and personal growth in a fun and creative way. From the moment Ms. Bond steps into the classroom, her kindness and passion for teaching shine through. She has a unique ability to connect with each student, understanding their individual needs and encouraging them to reach their full potential. Her genuine care and concern for her students (she honestly cares about each one like her own child) have not only changed their attitudes toward school, but have also made them excited to attend each day. Ms. Bond focuses on teaching three key values that set her apart: 1. **Empathy and Kindness** She encourages each child to bring an item starting with “the letter of the week” from the grocery store to donate to a local food bank. This not only helps the children learn their letters but also teaches them the importance of helping others in need. 2. **Respect** She has every child greet their peers as they walk in the door and say goodbye at the end of the day, ensuring that every child feels welcomed, valued and loved. Ms. Bond speaks to the children calmly and kindly, encouraging them to respect each other and themselves. She always treats the kids fairly and sets a good example. 3. **Appreciation for learning** Ms. Bond helps kids learn through their body, incorporating different elements into art, exploring senses, and learning to use their bodies appropriately. Under her guidance, students feel valued and motivated. Her remarkable talent for making learning fun and engaging has transformed school for many children, including my own. Personally, Ms. Bond has changed our lives. My child, Griffin, has had trouble in school. In the past and was previously shamed and constantly in trouble. This created a lack of confidence and made life hard. Last year, we both dreaded him going to school. This year, under Ms. Bond’s care, Griffin has completely transformed. He is now unrecognizable as the same child, feeling secure and confident thanks to her firm yet gentle approach. Zero shaming or making children feel bad for poor decisions. I’m emotional writing this because I owe everything to her for helping him be his best version. She believed in him, as she does every kid. She doesn’t give up and goes the extra mile. Ms. Bond’s passion for teaching is evident in everything she does. Her animated book readings, weekly emails (detailing the classroom activities- all gross motor skills and fine motor skills worked on, themed projects and cooking, and Dance Party Fridays) show her dedication. She even lets us know every book they read and games played. All of this is to help the parent connect and engage more with their children at home. It’s crucial!! She even sends weekly pictures and creates individual scrapbooks for each child. It is without hesitation that I nominate Ms. Tonya Bond for this prestigious award. Her dedication, kindness, and ability to inspire are truly exceptional. With over 20 years of experience and still the same passion and zest for teaching, we are incredibly fortunate to have her. Ms. Bond even reaches out to parents on the first day of kindergarten to check in, showcasing her commitment and care extending beyond the classroom. We are lucky to have her. Thank you for considering this nomination.

Griffin Seuser