P AGE
CF Gold Star Teachers
2
Jared Pirkl
We are thrilled to congratulate Kelly Loughren; she brings enthusiasm and experience to the classroom. She is committed to building relationships with her students and families. Deb Beving Mr. Pirkl is an outstanding educator and consistently strives to engage his sixth graders in meaningful learning opportunities. He is certainly deserving of this award! Tara Estep Mrs. Jan Williams demonstrates an energy and caring that are without boundary. She has such strong belief in her students and their ability to learn at high levels. Jason Wedgbury
T IGER
Jared’s wife, Lincoln Elementary first grade teacher Kelly Pirkl, and his colleagues knew before him, but Jared had no idea that something was up until he saw the gold star balloon! “I thought Tara (Estep) was making her regular rounds and happened to have visitors with her,” said Jared. “I knew that I applied but didn’t pay that much attention to the timing of the award announcement.” He may have had a few other things on his mind with the birth of twin sons (and two older sons) a couple of months ago! This is Jared’s third year teaching sixth grade at Hansen Elementary and his tenth year teaching. One of Jared’s favorite teaching memories is visiting with a former student at her high school graduation party. She shared with him how much it meant to her that he attended the party and how he impacted her career choice. Part of her decision to pursue special education was because of her volunteer work at Special Olympics, a volunteer experience arranged by Jared.
Even though letting go is one of the toughest aspects of her job, she feels rewarded sending her ninth grade students on to the high school. “They mature so much in those three years and are moving closer to independence and living on their own,” said Jan. She also appreciates the support for her students from student-leaders at Peet.
Kelly Loughren
“It must be related to Blue Zones or Leader in Me,” thought Kelly when the committee entered her room with the Gold Star award. “But when I saw my parents, knowing all they’ve done for me, I knew this was something really special,” said Kelly. “I’ve never once doubted my decision to teach,” said Kelly. “It’s a mission that I’ve always known is right for me.” She’s been with the district for seventeen years, first at Southdale and now at Lincoln. Kelly says that the best part about When the entire special education teaching is the relationships. “You want to department at Peet Junior High paraded into know what’s going on in their lives and it Jan’s room, along with the Gold Star award helps with classroom management as well as committee, she was overwhelmed! being a powerful teacher.” Jan has been with the district Kelly is so touched by all the good for nineteen years; thirteen in her wishes from her friends and colleagues. She current position and six as a even received notes from a couple of her paraeducator. She went back to former Gold Star teaching mentors! school for her master’s degree in special education in part because Kelly, Jan, and Jared all expressed immense of having a daughter with special appreciation for their coworkers and positive needs. “Being a parent helped teaching environments. raise my awareness,” said Jan.
Jan Williams
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