LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Lisa Manka was nominated by a family member, Jeff Manka.

"I have had the privilege of observing Lisa's teaching expertise at Linden Elementary School in Fremont," said Jeff. "During those times, Lisa has taken total responsibility for being the second grade teaching team leader, chairperson for the Tier One Intervention Team and served in a variety of other leadership capacities."

From the beginning of her teaching career, Ms. Manka has demonstrated mastery of the content for which she's responsible.  She has an excellent understanding of a variety of concepts and how to break processes down into steps students can understand.  This thorough understanding also helps her to connect concepts she is teaching to those that students are already familiar with in order to help them construct their own understanding.

Students in Ms. Manka's classroom are always actively involved in their learning.  She has high expectations for student achievement and is willing to do whatever she can to help them succeed.  Her students enjoy their math centers and feel safe in sharing their answers and participating in discussions and activities.  She is always encouraging students and helps them develop confidence in their own abilities.

The lessons Ms. Manka has taught have been very well planned.  Lessons always flow well, and activities are varied to hold students’ interests. Ms. Manka is continually assessing students’ progress throughout the instructional time and is adjusting accordingly.  Guided practice is provided before assignments are given in order to be sure students have no misconceptions.  At the end of the work time, Ms. Manka poses a thought-provoking question to provide closure to the lesson and allow students to summarize their learning.

When communicating with parents and students, Ms. Manka demonstrates excellent oral and written language skills.  Her instructions to students are always specific and easily understood.  She discusses problems with students individually, providing advice on how they can improve their performance. 

The professional attitude Ms. Manka exhibits is exemplary.  She has gone beyond the expected from day one.  She has attended professional development opportunities during in-service days and has used the methods presented in class.

"Lisa is extremely committed to her role as an educator.  She enjoys students and strives to make their experience in class both enjoyable and successful," said Jeff. "If my children were in her school, I would feel fortunate if they had Lisa as their teacher."

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