Springdale teacher in running for state award

SPRINGDALE -- Vanessa Stewart hopes her fourth-graders learn more from her class than just the academic things she's required to teach them.

A list of "Miss Stewart's Life Lessons" -- as the green, hand-written sign declares -- hangs on the back wall of her classroom. The lessons include: "Failing only becomes failURE when you give up," "Do the right thing, even when no one is watching" and "We rob the world of our creativity when we never make anything."

Stewart said she wants her students to be successful long after they leave her classroom.

"It's so important to me that as they continue to grow, they want to do well for themselves," she said. "I want them to always feel empowered because they learned lessons this year they can use throughout life."

Stewart, in her ninth year teaching at Monitor Elementary School, is one of four semifinalists for the 2019 Arkansas teacher of the year award.

To reach this point, Stewart had to be nominated by her school for district teacher of the year. District officials awarded her that title in May.

She applied for Arkansas teacher of the year and was named one of 14 regional finalists. The four semifinalists were announced in August.

A teacher of the year selection committee visited Monitor on Sept. 11 to interview Stewart and observe her teaching. The award winner will be announced some time this fall, according to the Arkansas Department of Education.

Johnny Key, Arkansas' commissioner of education, said in a news release the 14 regional finalists have demonstrated excellence in the classroom.

"They serve as role models for their peers, and I commend them and all the applicants for their commitment to ensuring our students graduate ready for college, career and community engagement," Key stated in the release.

All regional finalists received $1,000. The teacher of the year award comes with an additional $14,000 prize, made possible by the Walton Family Foundation.

The last time the state's teacher of the year came from Northwest Arkansas was in 2007, when Justin Minkel, another Springdale elementary school teacher, won it.

Stewart graduated from Fayetteville High School in 2005. She earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, before starting her career at Monitor in 2010.

Stewart is one of more than 3,000 teachers in the state who have achieved National Board certification. Teachers endure a rigorous process to attain the certification, which comes with a $5,000 annual stipend from the state.

She showed a knack for teaching early in life. Her mother, Sue Tunstill, worked at a daycare facility. Stewart began working there with her, first as a volunteer at the age of 14, and then as a paid employee when she was 16, Tunstill said.

"She loved it," Tunstill said. "I could tell teaching warmed her heart. It was obvious to me. She never looked back."

Stewart is energized by her work, Tunstill said.

"I've never heard a word from her that would be anything but pride and joy for what she does," Tunstill said. "She wants to instill the power of knowledge, but also the importance of their values and self-worth and being kind. That's how she rolls."

Maribel Childress, principal at Monitor Elementary, said she's not surprised Stewart is up for teacher of the year. Students thrive under her leadership, Childress said.

"They learn and they grow exponentially, not only in academics, but socially, emotionally and as community leaders," Childress said. "Once students become hers, they are hers for life. She follows them, supports them and continues to champion for them."

Stewart also has distinguished herself as a leader among the school's faculty, sharing what she's learned and what she's doing in her classroom so others may benefit from her experience, Childress said.

Childress said she hopes Stewart is chosen for the award because it would give her a platform to share her knowledge and passion with more teachers.

Ava Butler, 9, is in Stewart's class this year. She said it's the best class she's ever had.

Stewart is "a very nice" teacher who's careful not to make anybody mad or upset, Ava said.

"She cares about others a lot," Ava said.

Cristian Aguilar, 9, said Stewart is creative and good at solving problems.

Stewart tries to foster leadership in her students. She points to leadership and community service roles her students fill in the school. She said she's proud to see many of her students blossom into proud servant leaders each year.

Stewart also has invested time in a social emotional learning program for which she received a grant this school year. Donations from the Donors Choose grant allowed her to buy nearly $500 of books that support her teaching of positive life lessons and facilitate discussions promoting personal growth.

Stewart was first inspired by stories she found on the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation's website. She said she designed a program to foster kindness and help students develop stronger relationships with each other, as well as encourage them to practice random acts of kindness.

"Every student was involved in spreading kindness throughout our school using ideas they came up with of how we could serve our community," Stewart said.

Stewart also has coached soccer at Monitor since she started working there. Coaching is a passion, she said.

"I think that every student should at least have an opportunity to be in a team sport because of the life skills they gain from that," she said.

As for what Stewart thinks got her to this point in teacher of the year recognition, she said it's her dedication to helping every student.

"I get a lot of my enjoyment from teaching students that are in Springdale schools because our diversity and our mission in Springdale is so empowering," she said. "I know when I go home every night that there's a reward that came out of every day. I feel like what I did made a difference, not just in their school life but in their home lives as well."

NW News on 10/07/2018