Wayne Teacher of the week
Kristen Zemnickas, McKinley Elementary
Who she is: Kristen Zemnickas teaches first- and second-graders in a multi-age classroom at McKinley Elementary.
Background: Zemnickas earned her bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University and her master's from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She has taught in the district for 13 years and is married with two children.
Why nominated: Zemnickas is energetic and enthusiastic about her work and gets her students excited about learning. Students love her and want to be in her class. Zemnickas assists with before- and after-school tutoring, has sponsored a high school Quiz Bowl club and started a Grandparent's Day activity that has grown into an annual event. She is positive, motivates her peers and continues to make a difference in many lives.
She says: "Children need our presence much more than our presents. Spending time with my students and watching them blossom into independent, caring and resourceful thinkers is the best gift of all!"
