Below is a message from Harmony Elementary School Principal Lynda Wallace about Kristine Elrod, the school’s Teacher of the Year for the 2013-2014 school year.We are honored to announce Kristine Elrod as the Teacher of the Year at Harmony Elementary School. Krissy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University and a Master’s degree in Reading and Math Education from Walden University. She taught in Bartow County before we were fortunate enough to have her join the staff of Harmony Elementary during the first year the school opened in 2006.

Mrs. Elrod is a team player who is willing to go the extra mile for her fellow teachers, parents, and students. When asked how her fifth grade students inspire her, she said, “I am inspired by my students every day. I love to see them take ownership for their own learning! This is proof to me that they recognize the relevance of what we are studying. I am especially excited to see my students take risks in their writing. There is nothing better than seeing a student use a new strategy or skill in writing.”

Integrating writing into all subject areas has become an exciting challenge for Mrs. Elrod this year as she finds creative ways to make writing exciting for all students. As she expressed, “I love to teach writing! I am continually challenged by this subject area and am constantly looking for ways to make writing fun, meaningful, and relevant to my students. I also love to teach reading. I try to help students to see how connected reading and writing are to one another. This year, I am also teaching Social Studies. I am floored by the enthusiasm students have for this subject. They cannot get enough! I am working especially hard this year to integrate reading, writing, and Social Studies.”

We are proud of her accomplishments and contributions to our school community.