Licking Heights Local Schools instructor Kelli Weaver has been honored with the 2023-24 Leaders for Learning Award by the Licking County Foundation (LCF).
Weaver is in her ninth year of teaching and currently works as a Title 1 Reading Specialist at North Elementary. In her role, she provides intensive reading support and learning strategies to students in small, specialized groups.
North Elementary principal Brandi Wade nominated Weaver for the award, writing, “Kelli is innovative and always puts students first. She is kind and has a quick sense of humor that warrants itself to students wanting to build relationships with her. When students are struggling, she digs deeper to find the root cause whether it is social and emotional, developmental, cognitive or adaptive so she knows how to best reach each student.”
While Weaver only joined Licking Heights two years ago, Wade says she has quickly become an integral member of the team with her students making significant progress in their learning and cumulative assessments. In particular, Wade praised Weaver for her strategic and innovative thinking when it comes to student engagement, her willingness to support and collaborate with coworkers and her commitment to developing herself professionally.
“Because of Kelli’s hard work, easygoing personality and dedication, she has earned the respect of her colleagues,” Wade says. “Kelli’s zest for life, quick smile and easy laugh attracts others to her no matter if they are big or small.”
The LCF created the Leaders for Learning Award in 1993 to promote excellence in public education and to honor exemplary teachers in Licking County, according to the LCF website.
The goals of the program are to “identify and recognize teachers who exemplify excellence in teaching; to provide opportunities for teachers to participate in professional growth activities, and to support their classroom activities, and to encourage teachers from the participating districts to join together to enhance the quality of education in the community.”