ZEPHYRHILLS – Principal Christina Twardosz recognized Kathy Kessler for her contributions in helping turn around the performance at West Zephyrhills Elementary School.
Kessler has been teaching at West Zephyrhills Elementary for more than 35 years. But when the school received an F grade from the Florida Department of Education three years ago, Kessler and others on staff rolled up their sleeves and went to work.
“When the going got tough on our journey, Mrs. Kessler did not leave,” Twardosz told the school board Sept. 10. “Instead, she embraced a growth mindset and stretched her knowledge to become an even more skilled educator. She continues to be a positive role model.”
Twardosz said Kessler has a willingness to go where she is needed most. Over the past three years, she has taught fourth and first grades. She is now serving as the K-5 STEM teacher.
“The work she has done with our before school science sessions for fourth and fifth grade over the past two years will now get to go school-wide,” Twardosz said. “Her experience and love for the animals and our 4H program will also reach a larger audience.”
Kessler plans to expand the school garden in addition to her ongoing efforts to keep the campus clean.
“Science is my favorite,” Kessler told the school board. “It’s wonderful to see the kids and to have them get excited about animals and about science.”
Twardosz explained how Kessler not only helps students reach their highest potential but she also serves as a mentor to her colleagues.
“She epitomizes the dedicated, hardworking compassionate teachers that we have at West Zephyrhills Elementary School,” Twardosz said. “It is easy to see with teachers like Mrs. Kessler how we rose from an F to a C in just a couple of years.”
