West View’s Kelsey Pavelka Receives Armstrong Teacher Educator Award

Kelsey Pavelka. File photoKelsey Pavelka. File photo

 By Andy Klotz—

Dual Language teacher to work with IU faculty, students

Muncie, Ind. – West View Elementary School’s Kelsey Pavelka has been named an Indiana University Armstrong Teacher Educator Award winner, one of only 14 recipients throughout the state. The 2nd grade Dual Language Mentor Teacher will work with IU faculty and undergraduates over the next year to help aspiring educators hone their skills and prepare them for a classroom of their own.

“I am so thankful for this recognition and the opportunity to work with undergraduate students at Indiana University,” Pavelka said. “I could not have done this without the support of my principal, Eric Ambler, and our CEO, Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski. They have been a constant source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented school year.”

Ambler, a former Armstrong winner himself, nominated Pavelka for the award due to her classroom management and engaging teaching style.

“Kelsey is a shining star among many fabulous teachers on our West View staff,” Ambler said. “To see how her students grow academically and socially is a delight. She will offer fabulous insights to up-and-coming teachers, which will be of lasting benefit to even more students.”

Pavelka is in her seventh year of teaching, her third with Muncie Community Schools. Earlier this school year, The American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) selected her as an Outstanding Dual Language Teacher.

Created in 1997, the Armstrong Teacher Educator Award program provides financial support for top Indiana educators, reimbursing them for travel and lodging expenses when visiting the IU campus in Bloomington and offering a $500 honorarium for their participation in discussion panels on current issues in education.

Pavelka was honored during a recent virtual Celebration of Excellence ceremony. She becomes West View’s third Armstrong Award winner behind Ambler (2014-15) and Michelle Bade (2019-20).

 

About Muncie Community Schools

Serving the local community since 1855, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) educates more than 5,000 students at six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school while also managing several other educational facilities. Through its unique partnership with Ball State University, MCS strives to maximize each student’s potential so he or she can be a positive, productive member of society. Find out more about MCS or Director of Public Education and CEO Lee Ann Kwiatkowski at muncieschools.org