Editor’s Note: This is the ninth of 12 stories highlighting Butler County Teachers of the Year.
Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center teacher Krista Greenwall works to reach every student and help other teachers, according to reports from coworkers and parents.
Greenwall is the 2020-21 Teacher of the Year for the campus after joining the school in 1999.
She took a 13-year break to be a stay-at-home mom for her three sons. She returned to the Early Childhood Center in 2016. Greenwall earned a master’s degree in education from Southwest Baptist University in 2001 and a bachelor of science in elementary/early childhood education from Central Methodist College at Mineral Area College in 1999.
Greenwall is always willing to share what she’s learned from professional development opportunities and other techniques she’s learned over the years, Sharon Burkey wrote in her nominating letter. She also shares technology and web resources, Burkey continued.
“She’s always willing to share what works for her classroom with her coworkers,” she wrote.
Coworker Lori Bell called Greenwall a team player, “which is so important in the teaching field.”
Both said Greenwall excels at providing different learning opportunities to students based on their needs.
“She is flexible, in that, if a student(s) are having difficulty learning, she is more than willing to find a way to present the information in a manner that’s relevant to learning and will allow them to be successful,” Burkey said.
Teacher Amanda Biri said Greenwall starts every day by greeting her coworkers and students with a smile and asking how they are. She works to provide a loving and comfortable atmosphere in the classroom, Biri continued.
“She is so passionate about what she does and always goes the extra mile for her students to ensure that each student reaches their fullest potential,” Biri said.
Parent Dacey Greer said when she found out Greenwall would be the teacher for her daughter, Graeslyn, she asked around about Greenwall and heard only positive things. The responses she received proved right, she said.
“Graeslyn started exhibiting a desire to learn how to read and when Krista noticed this, she jumped on board and immediately started working with her on this,” Greer said. “My daughter comes home every day talking about how much she loves Krista and tells me all about the Bob books she gets to read.”
Parent Kelley L. Brent said her son, Logan, was in Greenwall’s class for two years and thrives in the environment.
“We chose to keep Logan in Krista’s class for a second year in an effort to help him mature and be better equipped as he continues his education,” she said.
She serves as an example of “impeccable work ethic” and responsibility, Brent continued.
“Her natural ability to lead by example and her dedication to serving others have made her a success as an educator and an example of a great addition to any team,” she said.
Burkey said Greenwall’s students would say things about her such as enjoying when they get to play together.
“I love running on the playground with Mrs. Krista,” student Jayceon wrote. “I love building puzzles with her too.”
Greenwall is a member of the Fellowship General Baptist Church, where she also teaches vacation bible school. Within the district, she helps with the ABC Booster Club at the Early Childhood Center and helped with Project Graduation this year.