Reinertsen Teacher of the Year focuses on needs of young learners
March 22, 2017
In her work with young students, first-grade teacher Melissa Kyser believes it is important to keep the whole child in mind.
“I teach math, reading and writing, but I also teach social skills, emotional and physical regulation, problem solving, school work habits, and life skills,” Kyser said. “These are equally necessary for students’ success in school as the academic standards.”
A first-grade teacher at S.G. Reinertsen Elementary School, Kyser has been named 2017 S.G. Reinertsen Teacher of the Year. This is her seventh year teaching at Reinertsen.
Kyser graduated from Concordia College with a degree in elementary education. She completed her student teaching at Reinertsen before becoming a teacher there. She has taught both second grade and first grade during her years with the district. Kyser is currently pursuing her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on teacher leadership at Minnesota State University Moorhead.
“Melissa contributes to our staff by being part of our leadership team and by always being willing to support other teachers,” said Carla Smith, principal at S.G. Reinertsen Elementary.
Kyser has been part of Reinertsen’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) committee, including chairing the committee for two years. She also has attended state PBIS institutes and helped implement a new school-wide PBIS theme. As a member of the district’s math committee, Kyser was part of the group that helped select new mathematics curriculum for the district.
According to Smith, Kyser is an innovative teacher who works relentlessly to meet her students’ needs.
“She loves helping students become readers, writers, mathematicians and thinkers,” Smith said.
Kyser treats each student as an individual and considers each student’s unique needs, insights and interests in her interactions with students.
“I understand that my students are young, and work to make our classroom environment and learning opportunities appropriate for them,” she said.
As a way to create a warm, welcoming and comfortable environment for learning, Kyser has implemented flexible seating in her classroom.
“I have done study and work with purposeful play in my classroom this fall as well,” she said. “Research indicates that young children learn through play, and we are working to learn about social studies, science, writing and literacy through play centers and playful interactions.”
Kyser strives to exemplify student-centered priorities and interests in her interactions with students, parents and colleagues.
“I view every moment of contact as an opportunity to learn more about my students and how to be a more effective teacher for them,” she said.
Photo: Melissa Kyser, first-grade teacher at S.G. Reinertsen Elementary School and this year’s Reinertsen Teacher of the Year, works with a small group of students during a reading group.
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