Elizabeth Wecker

Elizabeth Wecker of Rockton co-teaches fourth/fifth grade math, ELA and special education at Roscoe’s Kinnikinnick School, where she’s been the past four of her 13 years of teaching. A former student nominated Elizabeth, writing, “I really struggled with math. She gave me tools to use to help me do my best. She always was a voice of reason when I would get upset with schoolwork.” This student still visits her class to say hi and get help. At one point, Elizabeth left teaching for an administrative role, thinking it would be her dream role to design educational strategies and manage behind-the-scenes aspects of the system. But she found herself missing the daily interaction with students, building relationships and seeing students grow. “I began to realize that the true impact of teaching came from connecting with students on a personal level – nurturing their hearts and minds, one individual at a time. I knew it was time to return to the classroom, where I could touch students’ hearts, understand their individual needs and guide them toward their fullest potential, while playing an active role in shaping their futures, not just through academic lessons, but through the kind of mentorship and personal connection that would leave a lasting impact.” She lets students know that wrong answers or failures are part of learning, but that giving up is not an option. “I want them to understand that learning is not just about receiving information; it’s about making choices, being accountable and growing from both successes and setbacks.” A letter of recommendation from a teacher who worked with Elizabeth when she was a student teacher commented on how Elizabeth has left a mark, both as an administrator, a peer and a teacher. “While she continues to make a difference as a classroom teacher, don’t count out the impact she continues to have on her peers. Elizabeth is a mentor, a support system and a leader, naturally making this the perfect fit to utilize all her skills in education.” Elizabeth believes in active learning. She is animated and supportive. She has turned her classroom into a coffee shop, a crime scene, an operating room and even a glow-in-the-dark wonderland, “all to bring lessons to life in a way that captivates my students’ imagination.”