2005 Outstanding Rural Elementary Teacher
Margaret Oehrke
Margaret Oehrke's career in education spans 22 years of teaching in rural Missouri. The last eighteen years at Tipton Elementary. Her entire teaching career has been at the elementary level.
Grit. Determination. Love - genuine love of students. And let's not forget "guts". These are just a few of the words that one would use to describe Maggie Oehrke. She puts her reputation on the line for the good of the students. She strives to know each student inside and out not only academically, but emotionally as well. Each individual is treasured and each child makes great strides academically and socially in her classroom. She understands that for many of her students to learn, she must be "in-tune" with their emotional needs in order for her to help them reach their academic goals.
Mrs. Oehrke is described by one of her co-workers as one of the most organized and consistent people I know. She plans and prepares weeks ahead so that each day and lesson runs smoothly and consistently. Yet, Mrs. Oehrke is flexible and has the ability to change the schedule for the day at a moments notice.
Having taken on the task of working with several students in the third grade that were working below grade level, Mrs. Oehrke is using a variety of teaching techniques and methods to help each individual to learn. Her ability to teach across the curriculum truly expresses her full enthusiasm and love for learning. Great reading strides have occurred with her group. A few have made more than a year's gain in a four month period. All have significant gains in their STARR reading scores which measures their grade level reading ability.
Mrs. Oehrke is respected by her co-workers, always quick to lend a helping hand, whether it be brainstorming a solution to a problem or celebrating an accomplishment. She has served on many CTA committees and always contributes with a logical, commonsense approach.
Mrs. Oehrke's dedication and love of teaching, her desire for excellence and her compassion for all of her students is un-paralleled.
Congratulations to Mrs. Margret Oehrke as Missouri's Outstanding Rural Elementary Teacher for 2005.
