Chris Keisker has been named the Fox C-6 School District Teacher of the Year for 2017. She is a fifth-grade teacher at Meramec Heights Elementary School, one of the district’s 11 elementary schools. The district also has four middle schools and two high schools.
Keisker, who has been an educator for more than 20 years, said ever since she was a young girl she wanted to be a teacher.
“From the fourth grade on, I knew I wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “My definition (of teaching) has remained consistent, that every child can learn.”
Meramec Heights Elementary principal Dustin Bain said Keisker is an asset to the school.
“She’s a huge part of our community here and we are both proud and lucky to have her working with our students,” Bain said.
Fellow teacher Lori Breyfogle agreed.
“(Keisker) is the teacher you never forget,” Breyfogle said. “You leave her classroom knowing you were unconditionally loved and pushed to do your best.”
In addition to teaching, Keisker helps with a Girls on the Run team and is a Boy Scout leader.
To become Teacher of the Year, first a candidate must be nominated by a fellow teacher, administrator, parent or student. Then, the nominee must complete an application process designed “to demonstrate excellence both inside and outside the classroom,” the district reported.
Each school in the district names a Building Teacher of the Year and then the District Teacher of the Year is selected from among those.
“Selecting a District Teacher of the Year from our pool of dedicated, thoughtful educators was extremely difficult,” Fox Superintendent Jim Wipke said. “I cannot express how thankful I am for each and every one of our staff members who make countless sacrifices to better the lives of students. We have phenomenal staff here and we value taking the time to really thank them for all they do for our community.”
As the District Teacher of the Year, Keisker is eligible to compete for St. Loiis Regional Teacher of the Year.
