For Kelly Wilber, education is more than a profession, it’s a passion. At Southport Elementary, a school that embeds TAP: The System for Teacher and Student Advancement as the structure for growth, Wilber is both a fifth-grade classroom teacher and a TAP mentor teacher. And whether educating and inspiring children or adults, Wilber makes a profound impact.
In her role since 2011 as a TAP mentor, Wilber coaches colleagues at every grade level, in the process contributing to achievement growth schoolwide. But it’s not just the Southport Elementary campus that benefits. Visitors from over 50 schools have observed the animated delivery of best practices as modeled in Wilber’s classroom. One visiting principal was so impressed by the students’ engagement that he assumed it was a gifted and talented class. In reality, the highly diverse students include those for whom English is a second language or who have significant other challenges.
At the individual level, Wilber analyzes each student’s data and custom tailors instruction to match the needs and realize potential. Highly reflective in daily practice, she poses questions and requests student feedback. Her impact goes beyond her consummate technique as students feel their teacher’s confidence in them and don’t want to disappoint her. She builds strong relationships while holding students accountable for their performance.
Not only does Wilber contribute to the growth and learning of others, but she also has a reputation as a lifelong learner herself. She partners with Purdue University on Literacy Nights and also earned her administrator’s license. At the district level, Wilber serves on the High Ability team, volunteers for the district Title I Science Night, organizes community fundraisers, and has been instrumental in helping to plan the district’s summer school program, investing her own time in the effort. It is little wonder that Wilber has been referred to as the teacher every parent would want for their child and the teacher every educator would want for a colleague.
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